Proceedings of the United States National Museum

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1*7.] PKOCEElymGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 159

FIELD-NOTES ON THE MAMMALS. BIRDS AND REPTILES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

By CHLAKL.es 11. TO^Vi^SEi'Nl).

(With one jHate.

The first studies of the zoology oi" XortLeiu Calilbruia of which we have any record were those of Dr. J. S. Xewberry, iu conuectiou with the Pacific llailroad Surveys of uearly thirty years ago.* Subsequently, collections of mammals, birds, and reptiles were made at Fort Crook by Lieut. John Feilner and D. F. Parkinson, and at Yreka by Mr. Will- iam Vuille, but no publications on the subject appeared after the Ee- ports of the Pacific Eailroad Surveys until Mr. 11. W. Henshaw, iu 1878, studied the ornithology of the northeastern portion of the State in connection with United States Geographical Surveys west of the 100th meridian. Prof. E. 1>. Cope published brief notes on the reptiiia of the region in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, which were based on collections made by himself on the McCloud liiver in 1882. The extensive labors of Dr. Cooper in California were altogether south of the region here treated oi". The present paper results from collections and observations made by my.self while connected with the operations of the United States Com- mission of Fish and Fisheries in California. During a period extending from April 1, 1883, to July 15, 1881, I visited the counties of Si-ski you, Shasta, Tehama, and Lassen, and subsequently spent a month iu JIumboldt Counry in 1885 (November 15 to December 17). Of birds, the entire number of species noted by me personally is more than two hundred, but by placing on the list about sixty additional spe cies known to the region from the labors of other observers, the ornithological portion of the paper is made a complete list of the species so far known to have been found in California north of the fortietjj par allel. The same is true with regard to the fullness of the lists of mam- nmls and reptiles; all three lists being restricted to the specie.* whose presence in the region is proved. The Sierra Nevada and Coast ranges extending through Xorthern California divide it very naturally iuto three separate faunal regions: the Eedwood region on the coast; the Sacramento, lying between the two ranges of mountains: and the eastern region, sloping froai the Sierras toward the State of Nevada. (See Plate V, sketch map of Northern California.)

* See Bibliograiiliical Appendix.

t A brief acconnt of "Explorations in Nortliein California." byJoba Feilner, .-ip- peared iu tlie Sniitlisouiau Reports for tlic year 18!j4. IGO NOTES OX JALIFOKNIA ANIMALS.

The first is cliaiacterizeil by ii heavy growth of redwood forest, which (h^es not extend much farther soutli in California than the Russian lliver, and by a greater rainfall than any other part of the State. It is apparently but a narrow southward extension of the redwood region occupying the coast farther north, and with a similar climate. Several species of birds are here found darker, or otherwise differentiated, when couipared with examples from drier regions. Examples of such

;(ri' the Valley Quail, the AVreu-Tit, and the California Jay, and they have been distinguished from those on the opposite side of the mountains as subsi)ecies. The second is the narrow northward extension of the great interior l»laiu of California drained by the Sacramento lliver. It is comparatively dry and is usually unwooded, except in the vicinity of streams. The Magi)ie, tliu Koad-liunner, the Burrowing Owl, «&c., range from the far south to the very head of the valley. The Antelope once abounded here and the Badger finds here the open plains it requires. But the tliinl, or eastern, region, is the most nunked and the most diversified. Beginning at the Xevada boundary line Avith level plains, it rises through scattered hills to the li'gli Sierras. There are no large streams, but large and small lakes are scattered everywhere, aiul open, sage-covered meadows are fouud at random auu^ng the lower pine forests. Birds of the central region of the United States, such as the Sharp-tailed Grouse, Sage lien, and J^uttall's Whippoorwill, find the Sierra XcN'adas an impassable barrier, and are found no farther west in tliis latitude. The western limit of many mammals, among whicli nmy be mentioned the Muh; Drerand tlie llocky Mountain Woodcliuck, is also found here. In addition to the interest wliicli attaches to the meeting in Northern California of the faunas of three se[)arate regions there is that of the classitication of tlie country into tliree regions according to elevation: The valleys or plains, but little above tlie level; the foot-hills or cliapar- ral belt; and the i)iue forests extendiug from about o.OOO feet up to the highest limit of timber. As might be ex])ectcd, these regions differ greatly from ea(;h other in climate and vegetation.

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Mduiil Shustii, NoitliU'u C.ilil»jnii;i ((.iiliiu'j hum rioutbt-ust). :

1S67.] rUOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. IGl

My most fruitful collectiug- liekl was in the rugged foot-hiils of Shasta Couuty, ])articulaily in the viciuity of the TJuitcd States saliuou-breed- iug-establishnieut on McCloud Eiver. The station has an elevation of 1,000 feet, bat is surrounded by mountains rising usually a thousand feet higher. The country is wooded chiefly with pines, but the forests are often interspersed with vast tracts of inpenetrable chaparral. Mammals, birds, and reptiles abound, and the streams are full of sal- mon and trout. The Black-tailed Deer {Cariacus coUDnhiamis) is especially abundant. The following species of birds obtained here were not met with elsewhere : thalassina. Coluniha fanciala. I Tachyvhicta Splii/rapicus varius lutchaHs. Vlreo hnitonl. Trochilufi ah'Jiundri. HarpnrhiiHcliHn rcdivivus. Trochilus calliope. Chamaa fasciata hentihawi.

Melospi~a licerman ni. During the summer of 1883 I traveled through the Mount Shasta country in Siskiyou County, with a party of the United States Geologi- cal Survey, the topographical division, Prof. Gilbert Thompson in charge. The route included Yreka and the headwaters of the Mc- Cloud River as well. Much time was spent on the higher slopes of the mountain, the summit of which is 14,440 feet high, and clothed in perpetual snow. North of Mount Shasta there are extensive sage plains stretching away toward Oregon, but immediately around the mountain and to the southward are continuous and magnificent pine forests. The nature of the country in general is so frequently explained in the following notes that it is unnecessary to speak further of it here. The following is a list of the birds and mammals belonging i)roperly to the evergreen coniferous forests and higher mountains of Northern California generally

Passerella " schistacea." Pipilo chlorurus. Oreortyx "jjlumiferus." Dendroica occideutaHs. Dendraijapus '^fuJiijiiiosus.^' HelminthophUa " lutescen.'i.' Colmnha fasciata. Geothlypis viacgiUivrayi.

Accipiter " striatulus." * Geoth Jypis ' occidentalis." Xeuo2)icus aJbolarvatus. Certhia " americana.^' Picoides arvficus. Sitta canadensis. SpJiyrapicas ruber. Parus gambeU. Spliyrapicus thyroidenti. Parus rufescens. Ceophlocus pileatns. Sialia arctica. Coutopus borealis. Cyanocitta stelleri. MAMMALS. Perisorens obscurits. ILapJodon riifus. Picicorvns columbianus. Lagomys princeps. Cyanoceplialus cyanocephahis. Tamias lateralis. Carpodacus cassini. Sciurus ^^frcmonti." Loxia mi)ior. Sclurus douglassi. Pasnerella me(jarhyncha. Proc. N. M. 87 11 .

1G2 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

MIDSUMMKU IJIKDS OK TIIK TIMUKK-I.lN'l-; OX MOl'XT .SHASTA,

1. Dendragajnis "fuUginosus." Common.

)i. Accijnter coopcri. Ouo specimen.

3. Acciviter vtlox. One specimen.

4. Accipitcr " striatuhis." Two specimens.

5. Buteo ^' cahirus." Seen once.

(j. IlaUntus IcucocephaJus. Seen once.

7. *FaIco .s2)arrerius. Very common.

8. Sjjhijrapiius tltyroidrus. One specimen.

U. Mdancrpes torquatna. Not common. 10. *Colapie8 cafir. Common.

11. Troclnlus 7-iifus. Not nncommon.

1*2. Coniopns borealis. Two specimens.

13. Contopus ricliardsoni. Rare. 14. *C\janociUa stclleri. Rather common.

15. * Perisorcus ohscurits. Frequent.

Ifi. *Picicorrus cohimhiiDuti. The most abiuulaut species. 17. Stuniella neglecta. One specimen foiuid i'rozen in snow.

18. * Carjiodaciis " cassini." Very common. 19. *Sp>zeUa '^arizona'." Very common. 20. *Juuco " oreijonus." Common. 21. * Hihniulhophaga '^ gittiiiralis." 22. ^Helmiiilliophaga '' Intcsccns."

2:5. Dendracu aadnboni. Common. 24. Dendirrea occidentalis. One specimen. 25. Geothlgpis macgiUirrani. Common.

2(). Sglvanla "pilcolatu." 27. Cinclus mericanus. Seen once. 28. *Salpinctes obsoleius. Abundant. 29. Catherpes conspersns. Seen once. 30. Certhia " americana." Rare. 31 tSltta canadensis. Not common. 32. *rarns gainhcU. Plentiful. 33. *Ilegtilus "oUvaceus." Rare. 34. ^Ilcgithis calendula. Rare. 35. Myadcstcs iownscndi. Not uncommon; one specimen found I'lozen in the c;ater. 36. ^Menila " 2>ropinqiia." Rather common. 37. ^Sialia arcfica. Aluindaut.

Tho summer of iSSl, iiutil July, was is])ent in Lassi'u County, in tlic

region sloi)in,i;' eastward from Lassen's PeaK',:i perpetually snow-crownetl

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Liisspu's IV:;!;, Xoitli'in Califoiniu (outline from uortli).

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1887.] PKOCEEDINGS OF UNITED HTATE.S NATIONAL MUSEUM. \6o

moutitaiii 10,400 feet high. The ref^ioii is mouiituiiiuius, witii immerous lakes aucl vast piue forests extending- down to the borders of the sage plains to the eastward. The mammals and birds named below were obtained only on this eastern slope of the Sierra Xevada

MAMMALS.

Cariacus macrotis. Bydrodiclidon " surinamensiH.' JrctoniysJIavivvnter. relccaniis erjitkrorliynchos. Tamias " lownscndi." J'elgadis (/aarauna. SpennophUiis " toivnseudi." rhalaropus tricolor.

Sc'uini.'i " frcmonti." Ii( care h'o.s' Ira a meriva iia.

Lepus campestrla. Himan ^.opus in exican us. drvicola " curtatus." I'ediocwtes " columMannii." Ceiitrocercu.i uropliasianns. Piooides arcticns. Passerella " schiatanea." riiakenoptilus nutlaWi,.

Collections were made in winter in the northern end of the Sacra- mento Valley, near the town of Eed Bluff. The following are the birds peculiar to the valley region, or at least not obtained elsewhere

TotaiiKii melaitolciiciis. Coccyzus americanus.

Ercuncles ocadeii talis. Dryohates nuttaUi. Elanus leucurits. Otocoris " strigata." Geococcyx californianus. Pica nuttalU.

On a brief trip to Northern California, in the fall of 1885, 1 was enabled to make small collections of vertebrates in the rainy belt of country occupying the coast, a region of dense and continuous redwood forests. The birds abounding here, but apparently wanting in the interior, are

Urinaior pnciftcits. Tringa canufus. Stercorurius parasiticus. Tringa minutilla. Larus glaucescens. Tringa " paciftca." Lav us occidentalis. Litnosa fedoa. Larus brachyrhynchus. Totan us flavipes.

Larus ph i ladelphia. Symphemia semipalmata. Pdtcanus californicas. Charadrius squafarola. Merganser serraior. Arenai'ia interpres. Anas peuelope. Arcnaria melanocephalu. Oidcmia fnsca. Callipepla californica. Oidemia perspicillata. Bonasa '* sahinii." Philacte canagica. Falco anatum. Porzana Carolina. Bubo saturatns. Porzana novcboracensis. Melospiza " samuelis.^

Crymophilus fulicarius. Pipilo '' oregomts." Plialaropus lohatus. Chamwa fasciata.

I received courteous treatment from many persons while residing in

4S'orthern California, whom it would be superfluous to name. 1 am, —

1G4 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS. liowover, specially indebted to the Ibllow iii,u-ii;uned geutlenicii at whose hands I had substantial favors:

Messrs. Iloboit IJadclill" and L. W. GrecJi, in charj^c of tlie Go\ern- ment lislieiies on ."McCloud liiver; Prof. Gilbert Thompson, in charge toi>oi;iaiiliical division U. 8. Geological Survey; Mr. II. A. llawsou of Ked Blnfj, and Mr. J. II. yisson of Strawberry Valley.

T. Ma:\dials.

Family CKIiVID^E. Dkkiss.

Caiiacus niacrotis (Say). AJiilc. Drvr.

The i\Inle Deer was ft)nnd in comparative abundance along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California, but was not observed west of that range. In the region east of Mount Shasta the Ulack-tailed Deer appeared to be tiie prevailing species, the present one being only occasionally met with, but in Lassen County, a hundred miles farther south, the reverse was fonnd to be the case. Indeed, I saw notliing of the Black- tailed Deer there, but the hunters witii whom I associated informed uie that tlu'y sometimes killed stragglers of that species in the country sloi)iug eastward from Mount Lassen. After several months' experience with the rather small Llack-tailed Deer in Shasta (Joniity and elsewhere, the immense size of the present species, as observed for the first time on the eastern slope of the mountains, was quite a revelation, but nowhere in its range did the Mule Deer appear to exist in as great nnmbei\s as did other species on the opposite slope. The first one seen, an old buck, which had been alarmed by the discharge of my shot gun when 1 little susi)ected the near presence of su<;h game, si)rang from the bushes at my feet and tore off at such tre- mendous sp(H'd and with such i)rodigious bounds and crash of chaparral, that he seemed a different kind of deer altogether. AVlien running, the white i)atch about the tail renders this species conspicuously ditl'er- ent from the following one:

Cariacus columbianvis (liicb.). Cohinthia Deer; JUack-laihd Deer. As mentioned in the account of the preceding species, the Black- tailed Deer, which has hitheito been considered as confined strictly to the Pacific slope, is known to occur in many places low down on the eastern sIojjc of the Sierras. Its eastward range in general is, however, bounded by these mountains, showing its singularly narrow belt of distribution. In the case of this animal, where chmate and food can hardly be taken into consideration, such remarkable limits are inex])H- cable. As expicssed by Judge (Jaton: "An imaginary line which becomes as impassable as a Chinese wall to an entire species of animals who have full ])hysi(;al power to traver.se it, but do not, wiiile all others pass it uidiesitatingly, is certainly a (uirious ami interesting fac^;," a

l.^-r. PROCfiKDINGM Ol'^ itNTTED STATES NATfONAL MTtSF.ltM. 1 G5 I

This Deer was found in abundance in Shasta iind Siskiyou Counties, where I obtained many specimens, as shown by the extract from tlie Smithsonian catalogues following:: this sketch. Altliough ahnost ex- chided from the timbered portions of the TT])per Sacramento Valley by the encroachments of civilization, it is found immediately upon enterin<:j the foot-hills, and ranges thence in summer high up on the mountains.

I frequently saw individuals in midsummer at the limit of highest bushes on Mount Shasta, and obtained specimens near the timber line in September. At this season, some of the younger animals were still in the yellowish -red summer coat, which, in the majority of the older Deer, had given place to the short hairs developing into the bluish winter coat. Instill other examples the long lighter-colored hair was adhering in patches about tlie binder ])arts, and could be rubbed oif with the hand, exposing the new growth beneath. A montii later the new coat had attained i)robably its full length, as there was no apprecial)le difference in this respect between those taken in October and those taken in February. There is what might be termed a migration of Deer in this region— very decided up and down movement in spring and fall between the valleys and the high mountains. In Shasta County this is north and south migration, from the fact of the country rising toward the north, the southern portions being foot-hill country. Indeed the animals seem to retire en masse into the mountains in spring, for it was with difficulty that venison could be procured in sufficient quantity for the table during the summer along the Lower Mc- Cloud River. They were found in midsummer in abundance everywhere about Mount Shasta, where, during the month of July, 1883, one of my friends killed twenty bucks. It is unlawful to kill female Deer at any season in California, and a sportsman who does it is dubbed with the contemptuous sobriquet of " doe-killer." In one hunter's camp where I was entertained for a time the rule was that any member of the party who should bring in a buck with less than three "points" to his antlers should i)errorm the culinary duties of the camp until some one else should be proven guilty of a similar ofiense. The dish-wash- ing punishment was an effective restraint upon those wiio were un- sportsmanlike enough to kill "spike" bucks and females where large Deer were plenty, and prevented the undue ac(;umulation of venison. An exception to this rule was made iu the case of the writer on the grouiul that he did not shoot for sport, but iu the interests of science. Several hundred Deer have recently been killed in jSTorthern Cali- fornia for their hides alone, the carcasses being often thrown away entire. Such fiendish work is condemned by all honorable persons, and the practice is being frowned down. liesidents of localities abounding in deer are accustomed to kill females when requiring meat, and

nothing is said about it, but the time will surely come when the laws must be religiously observed if the Deer are to be preserved in abundance. IGO NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANJMALM.

In the fall the Black-tailed Deer begin to descend into the foot-liillr and the lower country generally, and in winter are as numerous there

as tlie^' are in summer at greater elevations. AVinter specimens were all infested with jiarasites, about an inch in Jcngth, which were found in clusters in the i'olds of the throat, almost every animal examine

api)eared to be the larva of a bot-lly {(Estriis f). Many of these specimens were useless for mounting, tlu^ animals having spoiled their coats by rubbing against trees to rid themselves of wood-ticks. The antlers of these ])eer vary greatly in the number of " i)oinls,"

deformity, rugose aj^pearance, «S:c.

Fiji. 6, fully-developed antler as f o form, but becoming heavier and rougher with age.

The accompanying cut illustrates, in a general way, the appearance of the antler with each year's growth, nntil the fourth or tifth year, after which the normal appearance is that of Fig. (>.

AliNOUMAI. r.uoWTIIs.—Fig. 1, double antler with two brow-tines ; Figs. 2, .3, and 4, deformed anllers from old d(^(T..

In Siskiyou County I saw a i)air of antlers Avith the right one so palmated and flattened that it resembled a miniature moose-horn. 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 167

A liuuter iu Shasta County sllo^Yt'd me a pair of slim-looking horns, which he assured me adorned the head of a doe, killed by an Indian iu his employ, and the statement was substantiated by one of his neighbors. This man's porch was ornamented with numerous deer-horns remarkable for size and deformity. The wild bucks seen April 1 had new liorus, in the velvet, about 3 inches long. In July they appeared to have attjiiuod there full size, but the velvet did not begin to rub off until towards the last of August. In specimens killed September 10 there were bits of this covering still adhering to the white and, as yet, unpolished antlers. The antlers do not drop off until about the 1st of February, although there is considerable difference in this respect between the young and the old bucks, the former carrying their spikes much longer. We thought we could detect quite an individual difference in the adult bucks brought to our camps. One class were seemingly long- legged lank deer, with large and rough horns, while the others had shorter legs and smoother, and usually smaller, though perfectly developed, antlers. The difference iu the weight of these two kinds was very noticeable, the latter being decidedly heavier. The hunters appeared to have no explanation for this individual difference, although they constantly recognized it. It is probably due to age only, the very old animals probably not attaining the weight of those only five or six years old. The rutting season with this species is about the month of November, when the first frosts come. It is somewhat earlier in t!)e high mountains than in the low country. An early rain appears to liave the eflect of hurrying this time a week or more, and then the Deer are found running everywhere about the woods, where a week before they migiit have been scarce. In this region fawns are dropped in May and June. Hunters think that this period is also affected by the locality, whether low or elevated. In such mountainous country a difference of only a couple of thousaud feet in altitude makes a great difference iu the progress of the seasons, the first frosts affecting the rutting, and thus the fawning periods. Still-hunting is the only method practiced in Korthern California, so far as I am aware, in the hunting of the Black-tailed Deer, I heard nothing of any habitual hounding of Deer, or shooting on runways, or night-hunting with lights. Dogs are used by many hunters in trailing wounded animals and as assistants in discovering game, but the common varieties are usually the only ones trained in such work.

In the spring and sammer mouths the customaiy method of the still- hunting is to ascend the high wooded ridges, early iu the morning, and seek the deer before they retire to the brushy gulches for concealment and to escape the heat of noon. At such times they may be found wandering in small bands along the ridges and other elevations where there is but little brush, while later iu the day they are not easily u;h NoTF-S on 0,\LlFOnNI.\ ANIMATES. starlcd IVoiii their hiding- iilact's mile.ss fViglilcned by a dog. At other seasons they arc more irregnUir in their liabits, and may be found with equal readiness at all hours of ^ho day. A good tractable dog is a valuable adjunct in hunting-, but really reliable dogs are the exception, and many hunters are accustomed to do without them altogether. The " salt-licks," occurring in many parts of the country, are regularly visited at uiglit by the deer, at certain seasons, and often i)rove good shooting i)la('.es, Tiie animals establish distinct trails leading to these licks, and sometimes resort to them in considerable uumbers. The Black- tailed Deer is called Uop by the Indians of Northern Cali- fornia.

Mnsenni rofjis- tor No.

1410S 14109 14110 UUl 14112 14113 14114 14115 14110 14117 14118 14119 14120 14121 14122

14248 14249 14250 14251 14252 142.53 14254 14255 14313 14314 14315 14310 14317 14318 21225 21218 21220 21219 21220 21221 21222 21227 21228 ISPT T riJOf'EEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAE MUSEUM. K.l)

Elk wcivo sliot ill Humboldt Couiity in December, 18S5, and biouj^lit to Eureka, where I saw them. It has probably entirely disappeared from its former haunts about the eastern base of Mount Shas'U.

Family ANTILOCAPEID..E. Tin: Prong-uoun Antelope.

Antilocapra americana Ord. J'rong-hin'ii Axttlopc. Like the preceding, this species was once abundant in nearly all the open country of California. It is but a few years since it disappeared from the Sacramento Valley, where it lived in great numbers. It is not now found west of the Sierras in the northern part of the State. . Along the eastern slope, from the Klamath lakes southward, it is yet comparatively common. I saw some in 1883 that had been killed on the plains lying northeast of Mount Shasta, and met with it frequently in Lassen County in 1884. There it was usually found on the open, sage-covered meadows intersi^ersed through the pine forests, and was sometimes found back among the pines, a mile or more from any open glade. The sheep-herders of the region said that their young were often found in June. The skins of Antelopes I killed at that season were unfit for preserva tiou, owing to the looseness of the hair.

Mu.seum regis- ter No. 170 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS. cier, high up on ]\rount Shasta. I learned nothing of its occurreucc in the Mount Lassen region, although it is found in the higli Sierras, farther south. It exists in moderate numbers in Xortheastern Califor- nia and the adjoining i^ortion of Oregon.

Family SCIUEIDiE. Squirrels.

Aictomys flaviventer And. and Uacli. Hock;/ I\roH)itaiii ^fnrmot. This animal was met Avith only on the eastern slope of the Sierras in Jjassen County, and in l)ut one particular ledge of rocks, where it lived in large numbers. It has been taken at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner, and as this locality is also on the eastern side of the mountains it ai)pears that the species may be confined to that side as I learned nothing of its occurrence elsewhere in Northern California.

Museum regis- ter So. iHSr.] TROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 171

Taniias asiaticus Townsendi (Cacb.). Townseud's ChijnnunJc.

Abundant on the eastern slope of the Sierras in Lassen County. It is confined to the pine forests like the others of its genus in Nortliern California. Although not recognized elsewhere there is probably no reason why it should not occur on the western side of the mountains.

Mnseum legis- tei- No. 172 NOTKS ON CALIFOUNIA ANIMALS.

Museum regis- ter No. 18S7.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 173 this ciitiiloj^iie, as speciiuens taken at Fort Keacliug by Dr. Hauiiuoud, and at Fort Crook by Captain Feiluer, have been referred to the variety Bceoheyi.

Spermophilus Ricliardsoni Townsendi (li;uhiiiaii). TowiincKd's iS2)cnnophilt'. I found this speeies on the eastern sh)[)e of the Sierra Nevadas, in Lassen County, where it was abundant, replaeiny;" the two preeedinj; species. It is a typical Spermophile in its habits, gathering in commu- nities in suitable places, such as are afforded by the open meadows interspersed through this coniferous region.

It is never found far from these open glades and makes no solitary burrows as chipmunks do. Althougii from its gregarious life it is at once recognized as a Spermophile, its smaller size and short erected tail render it strikingly chipmunk-like when running. The Lined-tailed Spermophiles run by comparatively easy bounds, with their long tails gracefully curved, but this fellow scurries over the ground making all sorts of contortions, with his stunted tail pointed skyward. When sitting erect he applies the caudal appendage flat to the ground as a prop, and with fore paws drawn close to the body looks from a distance like a stake in the ground, suggesting at once the yame "picket-i^in," by which it is known to the hunters and herders of the region. More than once have 1 mistaken the erect motionless form of this Spermophile for a picket-pin in the grass.

Museum regis- ter No. 174 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Sciuriis liudsonius Douglassi ((Jray). Dotujluss.-i Chickarvv.

Common tbrougliuiit llio [)iiie forests siiiiuuiuliiii;' Momil iSluista.

Museum 1-S7.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 175

"Blue Miiskrat," the names Mountain Boomer, Showt'l and Sewelltrl not being- in use there. Mr. J. B. Campbell, of Shasta County, told mo of finding peculiar animals in his traps once while trapping on Mouui Shasta, and his description of them was such as to leave no doubt as to their identity. Subsequently when on Mount Shasta I was unable to find the exact locality where the animals abounded, but met with their burrows at Mount Lassen the following summer (188i). While passing rapidly through the latter region 1 obtained evidence of the existence of some species of the genus llaplodon near Morgan's Springs, on the headwaters of Mill Creek, and while at Big Meadows, on the north fork of Feather Eiver, was shown burrows said to be inhabited by the " mountain beaver." These burrows were in a wihl gorge, deep anu narrow, down which the little river dashed with roar and foam. In certain i^laces, where for a short distance moist, clayey banks took the place cf the interminable fallen trunks and bowlders, were numerous holes, somewhat resembling those made by muskrats, and near them were scattered bunches of freshly cut weeds and coarse grasses. Some of the green herbs were dragged partially into the mouths of the burrows, and if the aniuial itself had not been readily recognizable from my informant's description, it could doubtless have been identified from this singular habit of cutting herbs and laying them out to dry, as described in Vol. IX of the Pacific Eailroad Eeports. As I was con)i)elled by force of circumstances to leave there the next day, spc^-'^jiens, un^ fortunately, could not be obtained. The altitudes of these two localities were each a little over 5,000 feet.

Family CASTORID^E. Beavers.

Castor fiber Liund. Beaver. Kather common along the wilder streams of the region, such as the Upper Sacramento and the McCloud Eivers. At the western base of Mount Shasta a number of them occupied unmolested a dam, vrhich they had constructed in a corner of a meadow belonging to Mr.

Musenm refcis- ter No. 17G NOTES OX CAl.irOK.MA AMMAl.S

Arvicola riparius (Onl). Comutvn JmcrictiH Meuiloir Moiim: Fouiuliii abuiiilaiice in timotiiy nu'adowsat tho baso oi Mount Shasta, ami probably eiiiially uumeious iu siiitablo loiMliiir.s ilmnijilioiU the ivgiou.

Maaeaiu Col- tvsis- lector') Localitv. Date No.

144*4 19 I SiskivouCouutv, Cttlifomuk. 14490 20 «lo .'

144^0 21 ' do 144<^; 22 do 144*7 23 do 144j^ 24 do 144sS 23 do 1 ins:.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED .STATES NATIONAL MU.SEL'.M. 177 iible articles from Lull ter.-s' cabiii.s, wLicblljcy u.s«; in huildiug tbeir Imhi- tations, and will can y oti' lar;:^e (jaaiitiUes of crackers, ^rain, groceries,, etc. In fact no piovision.s are sate from tbeir foraginf( if left unguarded in remote camps. Tbe animiils tbemse'.ves are seldom seen, being rather nocturnal in their habitci and must be trai)ped to be secured.

Miueum icgiu- ier No. 178 NOri':.S ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Family ZAPODID^E. Ju.mi-inu Miuk.

Zapus hudsouius Coues. Jumping Mouse.

Several iuclividuals of tins species were seeu in some ineavlow.s at tlie western base of ]\Iouut Shasta, where one s[)eciiiien was (;ollecte

Museum regis- ter No. 1S87.] PKOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 179

A Chinamau lierder, employed on the range, killed four of these animals for me at this plaee inside of a week's time, and others could prob. ably have been taken if 1 had been there to keep careful watch for them. Ou my returii to the main camp I shot one in the act of gnawing this particular stump, the animal being too much absorbed in its occu- pation to pay any attention to my approach. Before we abandoned that camp the Porcupines had gnawed a hole completely through the stump from side to side. Its original diameter was about IS inches. Dogs that have experienced the disadvantages of Porcupine fighting are reluctant to engage with them again, one tussel being sufficient for the majority of them. Those attached to our camp would bristle up when they came around, but would wisely retire from the scene of action with knowing growls. A rancher living Smiles south of Susanville, in the same (Lassen) county, told me that a dog belonging to his ranch killed more than twenty Porcupines before succumbing to his injuries. In addition to this number he had treed nearly as many besides, which were killed by his master and the people about the place. This was related by the man, Mr. S. xVlexauder, in the i)resence of several of his neighbors, who did not seem' inclined to question the verity of the statements, and 1 repeat it as an illustration of the unoommon abundance of the Porcupine in that region. A sheep-herder on a neighboring range whom I had interrogated as to the possibility of obtaining specimens of this aniuial, replied, "Fou'll soon get all you wantif you stay round here; they won't trouble themselves to get out of a person's way." Uis prediction as to their abundance was soon verified, and he spoke not less truly of their stupid fear- lessness of man, for I soon after approached two by day, in the open woods, which were easily dispatched with clubs.

It was ascertained from other herders in that section that it was the habit of Porcupines to prowl about cabins by night and nibble at boxes, tables, and other camping furniture that had traces of salt upon them. There could be no doubt but that salt, and salt only, was the source of their attraction to the above mentioned stump. When assaulted, the Porcupine makes no defensive demonstration other than the erection of its quills. It retreats only at a feeble swayin«- trot, which a child could surpass, and if closely pressed it moves off sideways with mouth open and back arched.

All the specimens obtained were infested with wood-ticks to a dis- yiusting extent, and their legs and bellies were covered with sores from this cause. There being no quills on the legs and underp arts it was not as difficult a job to skin them as might be supposed. They have but small eyes for the size of their heads, with a decidedly ''piggish" look about them. ISTotwithstanding the abundance of the species in Lassen County, observed but one individual in Shasta and Siskiyou Counties dur- 180 I,OTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS. iug iiiorc than a year's residence. It was not met with in the cuast region.

Museum rofiis- ter No. m

iMs/.j ]*iiO0Ei=:niNas ov tInited states national museum. 181

Fiuuily LI'iPORID.E. IIauks.

Lepus ameiicanus Washingtoni (J3;iir(l). ll'tstcni J^iri/hHj Hare. Not uncommon in the upper Hiicnvmento Valley, and sometimes ranges well into the foothills.

Mil SMI rcLiia- tcr No. 182 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Fanulv VESrEKTILIONIDyE. Bat.s.

Vesperugo serotinus (Sclnebcr). Serothic Bat.

Obtained at Sheep lioclc, at tlie iiortlieast base of Mount Shasta. Not very coninion.

Mnaeum logis- tor No. lHrf7.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 18,3 the pack of dogs that pursued it from iioou until nightfall, and escaped, although leading them all the way by a much blood-bespattered trail.

In following this Bear across the many steep-banked gulches that it had sought in its precipitate flight, we observed that it had descended all favorable declivities by rolling, heels over head, to the bottom, apparently gaining time by headlong tumbles down hill. This, as I was afterwards told by Indians, is not an unusual trick with wounded or frightened bears. Californian examples of Ursus americanus are remarkable for variety of coloration. During the month of November, 1883, Mr. J. B. Camp- bell and the writer trapped four Bears on McCloud Eiver, one of which was glossy black, another dark brown, and two almost yellowish. The usual method of trapping is to fasten the bait to a tree Just out of reach of the Bear, and place the trap, concealed by leaves, &c., where the animal (a bear, or possibly a panther) must spring it with its feet in attempting to reach the meat. We collected skins and skeletons of deer on the same trip, and our custom was to search for Bear signs where intestines and other useless parts of deer had been left at the time of shooting on previous days, as the Bears were quite likely to revisit such windfalls on following nights, and there set our tra^). One very large Bear dragged the trap and the piece of sapling to which it was secured (for the trap should not be fastened immovably) over the high ridges east of the McCloud to the Squaw Creek side of '^ the divide," a distance of several miles, taking it entirely out of our neighborhood. Traveling with these " impediments" in tow, the Bear, of course, left a very distinct trail, but it required six hours or more to overtake and shoot him, so tortuous and rugged was liis way. The return from such a hunt is even harder than the pursuit, for the heavy skin and a little of the meat are load enough for one man, and the two guns and the, trap are rather more than a load for the other man, with much chaparral to struggle through and night coming on. A good bear trap with its chain weighs 30 pounds, and costs half as much as the average rifle does.

Museum regis- ter No. .

IfU NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMATES.

easlt'iii sl()i)i> of llic mouutains in June. It somctiiiios ;i))[)ears in tlic;

]\[<)mit, Slia.sta ie.<;ioii ami in Trinity County. Au old Indian living- iu the. vioinity of tbe ]\[c01oa(l Kivor tish hatchery, in ISSl, bore sad marks of ail encounter with a"?r/?>m" more than twenty year.s belore, the

]»atel]aof the ri.uht knee having been bitten oft", and that i)art ol'tho leu,- otherwise mutilated, leaving an ugly cancerous sore, which, under barbarous Indian treatment, had never liealed. When Dr.J.S. Newberry passed through Xorthern (/alifornia twenty- five or thirty years ngo the (Tri/zly was met with in many places, to the app;!i('!it cxcliision of the Dlack Bear, which was not found until the expedition liad passed well into Oregon. Since the Grizzly began to disai)pear before the advancement of the settler, the other species has been more numerous, leading to the inference that the Black r>ear will not be found in abundance where the larger species is well established. Mr. J. L. AVo.rtraan informs me that in many parts of the West where Grizzlies abound the black bear occurs very rarely.

F:iiiiil\ I'ROCYONID^. Kaccoons.

Piocyon lotor ( I j i i iiu' ) . Jlaccoon Pretty generally distributed, but not observed in the high mountains. Common about the sloughs in the timber belts of the Sacramento Valley, less numerous in the foot-hills of Shasta County. Called Kuril by the Win tuns.

Mii.scnm vesis- ter No. issr.] IMJOCKF-DlXCS OF IIXiTEI) STA'Pl'-S NATiOl^AI. MUSEUM. 185

F;niiily MU.STELID.E. Weaskls.

Lutra canadensis (Tiirtoii). NortJt American Otter.

The Otter is not uiux)iiimoii on the iiiountuin streams of Xortherii

California, especially on rivers abounding- in lisli, like theMcCloud and Upper Sacramento. The evidence of its presence, however, rested upon pelts seen in the possession of trappers, and tracks along the shores, for I never saw it alive. Although a piscivorous creature, and abundant in the vicinity of the Government iisli hatcheries on the Lower McCIoud, I never heard of its committing- depredations upon the trout ponds, as the lynxes were accused of doing. Its natural shyness was probal>ly a reason for this, as it is a most difiicult animal to entrap and is accredited with a very suspicious nature.

Museum regis- ter No. ISG NOTES ON CALirOIlXTA ANIMALS. disinfection. In the fiice of these difficnlties a letter arrived from Pro fessor Baird suggesting' a new method of treatment for such .specimens, Nvhicli was followed with gratifying success. "The best way of treating the Skunks," he wrote, "is to catch them in a closed box trap, baiti'd with meat. This box can be immersed in water and the animal drowned without causing any smell. Last summer at Wood's IIoll [Mass.] eight or ten were taken directly under the house which we occui)ied, and we drowned them and sent them to Washington without their becoming in any way a nuisance." The attempt at preserving the offensive specimens thatliad been shot or taken in steel traps having failed, a box trap was baited with a young chicken and jdaced under a sheep-herder's cabin to which the animals resorted nightly. When visited the following morning it was found sprung and proved to contain tlie desired species, although it was with some misgivings that we ventured to peep into it. The captive being uninjured had not been frightened into a discharge of its formid- able secretion, and the characteristic odor of its family was barely l^erceptible. It was a very pretty creature, and I regretted that it could not be studied alive for a time, but adult Skunks in full possession of their defensive armature are not well adapted for pets, so it was converted into a dried specimen after the i^rescribed process, without becoming offensive to any one. The method of killing Skunks by drown- ing, I have since learned, has long been known, although apparently not in that region. The herders told me that scarcely a night passed without their being awakened by the noise made by Skunks rummaging among the camp uiensils, and they hailed the box trap as a means of s})eedy and safe deliverance from their persecutors. This Skunk, from its very small size and apparently greater agility, is more dangerous to poultry than the larger Mephitis me])hitica, being especially destructive to young ehickens. At one ran<;h where I staid for a time it would enter the coops and kill small chickens by the dozen, but never seemed to disturb the hens that were brooding them. It was difficult to exclude it, for it seemed to find its way into the coops as readily as a weasel. I shot one of these Skunks at this ranch one iiight, the; Chinese cook, who had discovered it, holding a lamp to disclose its position among the hen-coops. It ])ad already killed about ten small chickens, but had made no attempt to disturb the hen that was covering them.

Museum regis- ter No. 1887.1 PROCEEDINGS OF UNTITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 187

Taxidea americaua (Bodila'it). Americau lUuhjcr. The Badger is a common species in the Saci'ameuto Valley aiul ou the plains of Northeastern California. My own experience with this retiring;' animal accords with that of other travelers through regions when^ it abounds. Its omnipresent burrow furnishes unmistakable evidence oC its i)resencc, but theaninuil itself is not often seen. The only one I saw was a young one, 7 or 8 inches in length, which was killed on a- ranch near Red Bluff, onlMarchlo. It was yellowish cottony white, with the characteristic dark feet and striped head of the species, the markings, however, being rather faint.

Col- lector's No. 18.^ NOTES ON C.\LIF0RN1A ANIMALS.

Mustela ameiicaua Tin ton. Americdn Sdhle or Marten.

The Piue Marteu is a commou inliabitaut of the ]>i!ieiit's of Northern California. 'Jurdogs killed one in Lassen Connty, whicli was too badly mutilated to be preserved.

Family CANID.E. DoGS.

Urocyon virginianus littoralis (ISainl). Coast dray Fos. Foxes are plentiful in many parts of the conntry, especially between the Saeramento Valley and Monnt Shasta, and are readily trapped.

Masenin Col- Sex Nature of speci- regis- lector's and Lociilitj-. Date. mens. terNo. No. age.

1883.

14128 40 Sbaitta Conntv, California . Nov. 6 Skin. I do Nov. 10 Do. 14129 I 47 14130 49 .do Nov. 11 Do.

j 1884. u?m 54 .do Jan. 7 Skin. 21210 66 .do Jan. 2.5 Skeleton. 21211 67 .do Jan. 25 Do. 21212 70 .do Jan. 28 Do. 21213 74 .do Fell. 5 Do. 21214 9G .do Feb. 20 Do. 21215 97 .do Feb. 23 Do. 21216 99 .do Feb. -26 Do. 21217 100 .do Feb. 26 Do. 21529 210 .do luly — Do. 21530 211 .do July — Do. I

Vulpes fulvus argeutatus (Shaw). SiUver Fox; Black Fox. I secured a halt-grown lllack Fox at Red Bluff, in 1884, by digging

it out of a hole.

Museam regis- ter No.

14428 1867.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAJ. MUSEUM. ISO

Family FELID^E. Cats.

Felis concolor LiuiK'. J'nma or Fuiitltcr : I'dt-cl of ihe If'intuns. lu the ruggetl country about tbe junctiou of McCloud and Pitt Kivers the widely di.stributed Panther, or "Mountain Lion,"' a.s it is called in California, is especially numerous. It has been taken many times in the vicinity of the Government Fishery Establishment there. On JMarch 29, 1884, three Panthers which had approached the building, in all probability for the purpose of stealing hogs, were " treed " by the numerous curs about the place, and were shot and converted into specimens—numbers ]21, 122, and 123, as given below. Mr. John Miles, a settler in the same neighborhood, had half a dozen or more skins of Panthers about his place in February, 1884, all of which I believe he had killed within a j-ear's time. They were, as a rule, shot in the near vicinity of his house, after having; been treed by dogs. It is practically impossible to raise colts in the Shasta County hills on account of these pests. They destroj^ many hogs and young cattle also, but do not present so serious an impediment to the keeping of these animals as in the case of horses. Mr. J. B. Campbell, who trapped two Panthers for me in 1883, told me that he had actually never seen more than two or three of the numerous colts borji on his stock range, as they had been killed and devoured by Panthers soon after birth.

Museum 190 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

IVoiii time to time in lived iiluiost exclusively upon the iLsh wiiicli died the ponds.

Mnseaui rojiis- tor No.

14131 14132 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 191

Uutte, Glassy, and Suaggy Lakes, but the more isolated ones are probably kuownouly to liuuters, being far removed from settled localities, and many of them are nameless. It is probable that all of those lakes which contain fish are regularly resorted to by Loons as breeding jdaces. On July 10 I waded out to a narrow sand bar in Butte Lake, upon which a Loon had been sitting, and found her nest or rather egg, for although two eggs is the regular number for this species there was but one in this instance, which was lying on the bare sand. It measured 3.40 by 2.18. Our eflbrts to shoot Loons here proved quite unavailing, for they were far out of shotgun range; and after much ammunition had been expended in vain by other and better marksmen than 1, we decided that they could certainly dodge a ride ball at two hundred yards distance, let the aim be directed at them or in front of them, or where we would. At short range these birds can be killed with the shotgun by aiming at the water before them where they receive the charge in Ijluuging forward to dive. Loons were observed nowhere else than on these lakes, with exception of one specimen seen in the possession of an Indian at the month of Pitt River.

Urinator pacificus (Ijawr. ). I'acific Loon. Occurs'irregularly at Humboldt Bay, where Mr. Charles Fiebig obtained the specimens contained in his collection at Eureka.

Urinator lunime (Guiin). licd-iJiroalcd Loon.

The only instance of the appearance of the lied-throated Loon in this region is that of a specimen obtained at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner.

Family STERCORAEIID^E. Skuas and Jaegers.

Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.), rurasiiiv Jaeger

I saw a specimen of this bird in the collection of Mr. Fiebig, at Eureka, who shot it on Humboldt Bay, and who says it is not often seen there. Family LARID^E. Gulls axd Tkkns.

Larus glaucescens Naum. (llancous-winijvd Gull.

This and the next species were both obtained at Humboldt Bay in December, glaueescens, however, being quite rare com])ared with the great numbers of occidentalis gathered there.

Larus occidentalis Aud. IVi'^ta-n Gull.

Icarus californicus Lawr. California Gall.

The California Gull was found in abundance at Eagle Lake late in June, but there were comparatively few breeding there, the only suitable localities, two small islands, being apparently monopolized by cormorants Phalacrooorax dilophus alboclllatus and pelicans. It was numerous at Humboldt Bay in December. I obtained a single indi- 192 NOTES ON CALJFOKXIA ANIMALS. vidiial at the mouth of the McCloud Kivor on May H'k and si ta.unU'rs were observed on the Sacramento Kivernear iJed lUnd at va."ii»ns times in winter.

Larus delawareusis Onl. ItiiKj-hUUd Gull. A solitary specimen of this Gull waLS taken at Summit Lake, near Mount Lassen on June 5.

Larus brachyriiynchus Kicli. >s]iorl-bilk'il Gull. Kather common at Humboldt Bay, where specimens were shot in December.

Larus Philadelphia (Ord). Bonaporlcs Gull.

This bird was seen in the collection of Mr. Fiebij;', who rei)orts it common on Humboldt Bay in winter.

Sterna forsteii Nutfc. Fornter's Tern.

Found in comparative abundance at Eaj^le Lake, where it was probably breeding' on Pelican Island. I saw straj' companies of Terns ocea- sionall}' along the river at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley in the spring-, and they were plentiful at Humboldt Bay in the fall.

Hydrochelidon nigra suriuaniensis (Ginol.;. Black Tern. Very common at Eagle Lake, and doubtless breeds regularly there among the tangle and debris of the tule marshes with the grebes, whose deserted nests it has been known to utilize. It was not observed elsewhere. Family PHALACROCORACID.E. Cormoraxts.

Phalacrocorax dilophus albociliatiis Ridjxw. Farullone Cormorant. This Cormorant appears to be present during the greater part of the year on the larger streams of this region, but was wanting on McCloud River in summer, having doubtless repaired to the coast or to suitable lakes to breed. On June 28, I found a large colony breeding upon a small rocky islet in Eagle Lake, their nests being made of reeds and rushes, which they must have carried from the shore a mile away. On March 3 I visited a roostiug-place of this species near the mouth of Pitt Eivcr, to which a hundred or more birds resorted nightly. The trees there were conspicuously marked with their excrement. The largest roost, however, was found on Lower Mad Kiver, near Hum- boldt Bay, every tree along the bank for several hundred yards being crowded with Cormorants towards nightfall. They occupied even the tops of the tallest pines, and the place was a Babel from their commo- tion, although a railroad upon the opjiosite bank of the river was less than a hundred yards from their roost.

Family PELECANID,^. Pehcaxs. '

Pelecauus erythrorhynchos, (Jmel. American While I'eUcan.

This Pelican was found only at Eagle Lake, where it rcsoits to breed! in great numbers in sunimer. Tliere are two islands lying in this btuiuJ 1867.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 193

til'ul sbcer of water, and I obsorvod that tlic Pelicans had taken almost exclnsiv^e possession of one of thein, the other being- similarly occupied by equally large numbers of shags. Although a few of the latter were living peaceably with the former on the Pelicans' island, there were only two Pelicans found on the island occupied by tlie shags. On the day of our visit (June 28, 1884) a flock, numbering a score or more, were seen wheeling gracefully in the air at a very great height, their white forms distinct in the sunlight miles away.

Pelecanus califoniicus Kiilgw. Culifontia Brown I'clican. This bird, which is quite common on the coast, may be seen almost any evening in the fall fishing in Ilumboldt Bay. It flies in a rapid business-like manner but a few feet above the surface of the water, and drops with a great splash when a fish is discovered. It continues its search well into the night, and 1 have frequently been startled by its

noisy splash when rowing on the bay after dark. During the day it usually swims quietly and does not ap])ear to lish much by diving.

Family ANATID^E. Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

Merganser americaiius (Cass."). American Merganser.

This sheldrake breeds regularly on the Lower McCloud, where it is present the year round. Young birds in the down were obtained on May 21, and several flocks of young were seen a ccuple of weeks later. Young birds of this species were also seen on Eagle Lake late in June. Pish ducks were not observed elsewhere than on the larger mountain streams and lakes.

Merganser serrator (Linii.j. lied-breusled Merganser. Common at Humboldt Bay, but not observed elsewhere.

Lophodytes cucuUatus (Linn.). Hooded Merganser. Apparently a winter visitant, having been met with on McCloud and Pitt Rivers, and Humboldt Bay in the fall and winter.

Anas boschas Linn. Mallard. TheJMallard is a common constant resident of this whole region, having been observed to be comparatively abundant in the Upper Sacra- mento Valley in winter, and found breeding in limited numbers about

the mountain lakes in summer, i found Mallards August 1, at the base of Mount Shasta, in certain wet meadows, where, in all i)robability, they had nests, and on June 27, I found a nest of eight eggs, in the middle of a grassy ijlain near Eagle Lake. It is one of the commonest game-ducks at Humboldt Bay,

Anas strepera Liuti. Gadwall.

The Gadwall is a rather rare duck at Humboldt Bay, and was not met with in the interior counties at all, but specimens were shot at Port Crook by Captain Feilner, and ihe species doubtless breeds in suitable lakes in the region. Proc. N. M. 87 13 194 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Anas penelope Liuu. Widgeon.

1 saw a moimted specimen of this Okl-Woild bird in the collection of Mr. Charles Fiebig, of liureka, who shot it in the vicinity in 1SS4. The only instance of its occurrence in the region.

Anas americana Guiel. Baldpaic Observed regularly in the sloughs south of lied Ulull" in winter, and was seen on the McCloud in January only. It is abundant at Uuni- boldt Bay.

Anas caroliuensis Giiulin. Grcen-icinijcd Teal. I saw this bird on two or three occasions at lied liluff only, but it is well known to sportsmen as a very common game bird of the Sacra- mento Valley. Mr. Fiebig reports it as a regular winter game bird at Humboldt Bay.

Anas discors Liuii. Bhie-icinged Teal.

]S^ot met with by me, but recorded as a rare migrant by ]Mr. 11. \\. Henshaw.

Anas cyanoptera Vicill. Cinnamon Teal. This Teal was not seen by me, but was coUecleil at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner, and supposed to breed in the vicinity of the larger lakes.

Spatula clypeata (Liiiii.). SlioveUcr. The only specimens of this bird obtained were killed on the McCloud liiver in May, about the close of the rainy season. Although well known

to sportsmen, it is apparently not very abundant, either in tlie Sacra- mento Valley or on the coast. I saw it, however, at Humboldt Bay in November and December, 1885.

Daflla acuta (Liiui.). I'intail. A common winter resident of the Sacramento Valley and the coast about Humbolt Bay.

Aix sponsa (Linu.). irood Duck ; Siiininer Duck. The Wood Duck is a common and com[)aratively well distributed species. It was observed on the Lower McCloud at various tinu's from

October 1 until March 1, often in quite large Hocks, and was seen in April and May at Ked Bluff, where it frequented the sloughs in tlie timber belts along the Sacramento liiver.

Aythya americana (Kyt.). Redhead.

J{ei)orte

Aythya vallisneria (Wilis.). Canvas-back.

I was informed by sportsmen of the occasional occurrence of this species in the Upper Sacramento Valley and at Humboldt Bay. 1H87.] PROCEEDINGS OE UNITED c^TATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 195

Aythya marila nearctica Stcjii. Amcrii-an Saiui> Duel;. This, and the next two species ure inserted in this list on the iiuthoiity of Mr. Ileushiiw, who records them as migrants and winter visitants iu the northeastern part of the State.

Aythya affinis (Eyt.). Lesxcr Scaup Duck.

Aythya collaris (Doiiov.). Hhitj-ncclcd Duck.

Glacionetta clangula americana (Boiiap.)- American (i olden-eye.

The goldeu-eye m as frequently observed on the Lower McCloud in fall and winter, and Mr. Fiebig informed me of its irregular occurrence at Humboldt Bay.

Chaiitonetta albeola (Linn.). Bufflc-liead.

Apparently scarce in the interior, but 1 saw a female on a small tribuary of the Lower Pitt Kiver in January, 1884, and the Feilner collection shows that it has been taken at Fort Crook. Subsequently I found it common on the coast at Humboldt Lay.

Oideniia fusca (Linn.). I'elret Scoter. Both this and the next species are very common at Humboldt Bay.

Oidemia perspicillata (Luni. }. Surf Scolcr.

Chen hyperborea (Pall.). Leaner Show Goone. An abundant winter resident, being especially numerous in the Sacra- mento Valley. On one occasion at lied Blutt", while watching the incessant northward movement of the geese from the Sacramento Valley, I saw a triangle of Canada geese headed by a single one of this species, the two waving lines of dark forms converging in a snow white point. The nuusual spectacle attracted the attention of pedestrians on the street. Other triangles, composed of the two species flying in ai)parent harmony, were seen frecpiently. When passing down the Sacramento Valley on the cars, Hocks of these white geese in company with other darker kinds were sometimes seen settling in the wheat almost within gunshot of the train.

Anser albifrous gambeli (Ilartl.). American White-fronted Goose. Very abundant in winter.

Branta canadensis (Linn.)- Canada Goose. xV very abundant winter resident of jS^orthern California, but exceeded in numbers by the following:

Branta canadensis hutchinsi (8\v. and Kick.). Uulchins's Goose.

The most abundant species. California is blessed with a large and varied assortment of waterfowl, but is specially celebrated in this respect for the vast multitudes of wild Geese which winter in the interior valleys. In the Sacramento Valley the Geese in their aggregate num- 196 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

in Mie Tniti-n Ik'is i>iol);il»ly far surpass those of any otber rcj^iou States. ranebers are Wheat j;rowin

Branta nigricans (Lawr.). Jllach- Brant. Common in winter in the vicinity of the coast, but not met with in the interior.

Philacte canagica (Sevast.)- Emperor Goose. told that I was much surprised when Mr. Fiebig,.of Eureka, me his the fine mounted specimen of this far northern bird, contained in collection, had been killed at Humboldt Bay. 1 was (piite familiar With the species, having collected specimens of it in Northern Alaska, as far its natural habitat, but 1 little suspected that it would wander south as C'alifornia. The si)ecimen was taken in the winter of 1884.

Oior columbianus i.Ord.)- U'liistrnii/ Swuii. A winter visitant from the north to the larger lakes and streams ot the region.

Olor buccinator (Kicli.)- Tnrmiictcr ^waii. Uare; visits California during the migrations, according to Dr. Xew- berry.

Kiuiiily IBIDIDtE. Ihisks.

Plegadis guarauna (Liuii.). IVIiiie-faced Glos.'iij Una. Found in the northeastern part of the State by I\lr. llenshaw, in 1877-78. Family AKDEID.E. IIkuons, Butekns, etc.

Botaurus lentiginosus (xMuntag.). .liiiericnn l',U(cr)i. Found in large numbers on upper Titt IJiver by Dr. Newberry, collected at Fort Crook by Lieutenant Parkinson, and reported by Mr. riel)ig as of irregular occurrence at Humboldt IJay.

Botaurus exilis ((iuii'l). Len>

Ardea lierodias l,imi. Grent lllite Jhron. A coumion resident, wandering well into the mountains in following the streams. Found in all i)arts of the country that were visited. 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OP tlNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 197

Ardea egretta Guu'l. Anurlain I'ljrit. Koticed occasionally in tiic Upper riiiciainonto Valley, and at Hum- boldt Bay.

Ardea virescens Limi. (Ircen Heron.

1 found this specitis onl^^ twice in Northern California. It was obtained near Yreka, August 20, and at Red Bluff, May 0. These specimens were noticed by Mr. Uidgway to be of rather unusual appearance, the fulvous-white edging of the wing coverts being broader in pattern than in any other specimens with which they were compared. This may be peculiar to the Greeu Herons of the Pacific slope, but the scarcity of specimens from that region does not admit of any satisfac- torj' conclusions being arrived at.

Nycticorax nycticorax naevius (Bodd.). Black-crowned Night Heron. The Black-crowned Xight Heron, which was found in abundance at its established "roosts" on Eel River, in Humboldt County, was seen but once in the interior, a specimen having been shot on Lower Pitt River in the spring of 1883.

Family GRUID.E. Cranks.

Grus mexicana (Liuu.). Sandhill Crane. Cranes were seen occasionally on the plains south of Red Blufl" in the fall, and one was seen on a mountain meadow east of Mount Lassen in June. Family RALLID^E. Rails, Gallixules, and Coots.

Rallus virginianus Liuii. Virginia Bail. Recorded by Dr. Newberry as common throughout California, and by Mr. Henshaw as numerous about all marshy lakes.

Porzana Carolina (Linn.). Sora. Only met with near the mouth of Mad River, Humboldt County, where two specimens were obtained November 24, 1885.

Porzana noveboracensis (Giiiol.). Yelloio Bail.

This Rail, heretofore unknown on the I'acific sloj>e, was found by Mr. Charles Fiebig at Humboldt Bay, a s|)ecimen having been taken in the marsh at the outlet of Freshwater Creek in 1884. This bird was accompanied by another of apparently the same species, which could not be secured.

Fulica aniericana Ginel. American Coot.

Numerous in all tule marshes, lakes, an

Family PHALAROPODID.E. Piiai.aiiopks.

Crymophilns fulicarius (Liiiii.). I!(d Bhahiropr.

The collection of Mr. Fiebig, of Eureka, (^ontains :i spin-imen of this bird shot at Humboldt Bay in May, 188.'3. 198 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMAt-H.

Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.)- Xorthrrv PlioJnropf. Mr. Fiebig, who lias specimens of this .si)ecies, int'oiMis me of its t're- queut appearauce on HuniboUlt l>ay in winter.

Phalaropus tricolor (Vicill.). Wilson's I'halarope. Tiuee specimens of Wilson's Plialai'opc were obtained in June, 1884, in the vicinity of certain shaHow lakes in W(\stern Lassen Oonnty. No otliers were seen in the country.

Family EECURVIROSTRIDiE. Avocets and Stllts.

Recurvirostia americana Gni. American .ivorct.

1 obtained a pair of Avocets on June 17, in the locality mentioned in the preceding i)aragraph.

Himantopus mezicanus (Mull.)- Blaclc-neclied Stilt.

I did not meet with this species myself, but it is represented in other collections from the northeastern i)art of the State.

Family SCOLOPAOID^E. Snii'Ks, Sandpipers, etc.

Gallinago delicata (Oid). H'llson's Siii2)c.

I shot a snipe on July 25 on a small tributary of the McCloud flowing from the eastern base of JMount Shasta. It w;is not seen anywhere else in the country except at llumboldt Bay.

Tringa caniitiis Liun. Knot. Mr. Charles Fiebig informed me of the occurrence of this species at llumboldt r>iiy in wititer.

Tringa miiiutilla \'iL'ill. Least iSandjjipcr. Common along the coast of Humboldt County.

Tringa alpina pacifica (Cones). lied-hachcd Sandpijycr.

A very common const species in winter.

Ereunetes occidentalis Lawr. JVcslcrn Sandpiper.

S[)«'(;imens of this bird were obtained at Red Bluff on May 8, 1884, the only time it was seen.

Limosa fedoa Linn. Marhled Godwit.

According to Mr. Fiebig's statement, the Godwit is present at Hum- boldt Bay the year round and probably nests there.

Totanus melanoleucus (Gmol.). lirvater Yclloio-lct/s. Obtained on April 22 at Red Bluff, and not observed elsewhere.

Totanus flavipes (Grael.). Ycllow-hgs. Of frerpient occurrence at Humboldt Bay.

Totanus solitarius (Wils.). Solitary Sandpiper. I met with this species only at the western base of Mount Sliasta August 3, 1SS;5. Collected at Fort Crook by Feilner. i

1>'.^7.] PliOCl'.EDlXGS OF UNITED STATES Js^Al'IOXAL MUSEtlM. If);)

Symphemia scmipalmata fGind.). iriJIrt.

SpociiiUMis of Iho Willet were collected in Novcniher and December afc

ITuuiboldt Bay, where it is common.

Actitis macularia (Limi.)- Spot tid Sandpiper Found s])aringly tbroiigliout the region, Breeds at Eagle Lake.

Numenius longirosti'is Wils. Loiuj-hiUcd Curtew. According to resident sportsmen, occurs in the vicinity of Ked Bluff in spring. It is probably only a migrant in the Upper Sacramento Valley, but is known to be abundant about the lakes east of the Sierras.

Family CHARADRIID.E. Plovkhs.

Charadrius squatarola (Liun.). Black-bellied Plover. Met with only at the outlet of Eel River, in Humboldt Couuty, Decem- ber, 1885.

^gialitis vocifera (Liun.). Killdccr.

Abundant in all open i^arts of the country. Found in meadows at the base of Mount Shasta.

Family APHRIZID.E. Surf Birds and Turnstones.

Arenaiia iiiterpres (Liun.)- Titrmtoiie. This and the next species both occur at Humboldt Bay, nichmoccphala being the more common.

Arenaria melanocephala (Vig.)- Black Tttrn-sloiu:

The Black Turnstone is a common bird at all points on the Pacitic coast that I have visited. 1 first met with it at the Farallone Islands, thirty miles west of San Frauciso Bay, in August, 1881, and in July, 1885, found it north of the Arctic circle in Alaska.

Family TETRAONID^E. Grouse, Partridges, etc.

Oreortyx pictus plumiferus (Gould). Plumed Partridfje. The Mountain Quail, as this bird is usually called, is a common resident of the foothills and mountains. In summer it was found breeding' plentifully about the western base of Mount Shasta in company with

the '' Valley Quail," but was not observed on the higher slopes of the mountain. Mountain Quails are very numerous among the hills of the Lower McCloud, gathering in large flocks in winter. I found a nest of ten eggs east of Mount Lassen on June 12, anil a nest of eight eggs was taken at Baird on June 24. I did not meet with it near the coast.

Callipepla califoniica (Shaw). California Parlridije. This coast form of the California. Quail was found-in the greatest abundance in the logging districts and en I rivaled portions of Humboldt Couuty. 20() NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Callipepla califoriiica vallicola ]Jiclij;\v. I'allcj/ Partrhiijc. The "Valley Quail" of the interior region was found in abundance throujihont the upi)er Sacramento Valley, and the more open jiarts of the foothills which inclose it. In oue instance only was it found in the higher pine country, having been seen in considerable numbers at the base of jMount Shasta. It was nor observed anywhere north of Mount Shasta, nor east of the Sierras.

Deudragapus obsciirus fuliginosus liidgw. Sooitj Grouse. A common inhabitant of the pine forests and the mountains. T found females and young birds ou August 1 in the meadows at the base of Mount Shasta, and late in June young birds just hatched were captured at the eastern base of Mount Lassen. I tried to raise these, and might have succeeded it they had not been killed by an unexpected cold snap, as they were rather lively and had fed freely for a week or more. I often Hushed grouse at the line of highest bushes on JMount Shasta in midsummer, wiiich were ])robal)ly all males, as no young birds were found in such situations. These Grouse are also inhabitants of the pine-covered hills east of the belt of redwood forest, extending along the (;oast.

Bonasa uinbellus sabini (I)oii<;l.)- Orct/on Huffed Crousf.

1 saw a specimen of this (Jrouse in the collection of I\Ir. Fiebig, of Eureka, who says it is to be found only in the desert and densest portions of the Humboldt redwood forests.

Pediocaetes pliasianellus coliimbianus (Old). Columbian Sharp-iailcd Grouic As 1 did not travel into N^ortheastern California farther than Eagle Lake, I did not meet with this and the next species, but was assured by hunters and others that they were to be found in many localities.

Centrocercus iirophasianus (Bp.). Sage Grouse. Known to be common in suitable country east of the Sierras. Cer- tain hunters told me of having killed them within 20 or 30 miles of Eagle Lake. Family COLUMBIDiE. Pigeons.

Columba fasciata Say. liand-iailed Pigeon.

Very abundant in tlie foothills of the Lower McOloud in the fall and winter, gathering iu the pine trees on the higher ridges in immense Hocks. It was very seldom seen in the high mountains in summer and did not appear to descend at all into the A^alleys in winter, i do not know where it breeds.

Zenaidura macroura (Liiiii.). Mourning Dorc.

A very common summer resident of the valleys and lower hills, being more abundant and more gregarious than in eastern United States. Tt was found breeding late in May in the hills along r>attle ('reek cast of Red Blutf. iHsr. PROCEEDINGS OE iJNITEt) STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 201 I

Family CATIIARTID.E. American Vultuijes.

Pseudogryphus califoruianus (Shaw). California Vitllurc.

Ill 1884 a hunter at lied Bluff told iiie that he had killed a vulture of immeuse size in the southeastern part of Tehama County two or three years previous, and that he liad seen others in the foothills southwest of Mount Lassen within the last four or five years. As this is all the information 1 could obtain with regard to this species, it has probably almost disappeared from Xortheru California, where it was once certainly common, Mr. W. E. Bryant, of Oakland, had a live Californian Condor when I visited him in December, 1883, but it has since died. Mr. EL. W. Hen- shaw has obtained six of these birds in the southern part of the State during- the past year. Recent measurements by Mr. Eidgway show that this species is really larger than the Condor of the Andes, so that in "<;limate," ])roduction of gold, mammoth trees, fruits, &c., and a just claim to the largest bird of flight, California is "still ahead.''

Catliartes aura (Liuii.)- Turkey J'lilfure. One of the common birds of the country in summer, both on the coast and in the interior.

r'anuly FALCONIDyE. Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, etc.

Elaiius leucuriis (Vieill.)- U'hiie- tailed Kite. Seen at Red Bluff" only, where two individuals appeared early in May.

Circus liudsouius (Linn.)- Marsh IlauJc The Marsh Hawk appears to have been found in abundance by all the ornithological observers of this region but myself, as I only saw it in the Sacramento Valley at rare intervals. Dr. Newberry found it " abundaut beyond all parallel on the plain of upper IMtt River." Hum- boldt Bay, common, Fiebig.

Accipiter velox (Wils.)^ lSharj-)-s]tinncd Ilaivk. Met with on one occasion only. A specimen Avas taken at the timber- line of Shasta on September 7. Mr. Fiebig, however, says it is not uncommon in Humboldt County.

Accipiter cooperi Bonap. Coopers Hawk. Not uncommon; taken near the timber-line of Shasta in September. It was also obtained at Red Bluff.

Accipiter atricapillus striatulus Ridgw. Western Goshairk.

1 shot two young Goshawks near the timber-line of j\Iount Shasta on July 28. It has been taken at Yreka by Mr. Vuille and at Fort Crook by Lieutenant Parkinson. '202 NOTES ox OAUrORNiA ANIMALS.

Buteo borealis calurus (Cass.). U'entcr)) Ked-taiJ. Next to the Sparrow Hawk tbis is the most abundant species, having- been met with in all parts of the country from the Sacramento Valley to the timber-line of :\Iount Shasta. 1 obtained a set of four egj?s at Red liluft" April 1. The nest from which they were taken occupied the forks of a scrubby oak, about 20 feet from the ground. It was built of heavy twigs, and had a uniform lining of " soap-root" fiber.

Buteo lineatus elegaxis (Cass.)- lled-hdlkd IFan-k. This species is recorded as common by Dr. Newberry, and was obtained at Fort Crook by Captain Feiluer.

Buteo swainsoiii Boiiap. Swainsoirs Ilaivk. 1 found this species to be of common occurrence in the Sacramento Valley in winter, and it was found frequently in the pine country about IMouiit Lassen in summer.

Archibuteo lagopus saucti-johannis (Gmel.). American Iio>if)h-Ie;i(f<'d Ifauk. Obtained at Fort Crook. Eeported as common in juarshy lt)calities by Mr. IJenshaw.

Archibuteo feirugineus ^I.iclit.). Firniginoiifi li'onfjh-laj. Mr. Henshaw saw a Hawk in Northeastern California wliicli he be- lieved to be of this species.

Aquila chrysaetus (Linn.). Golden Eayle.

1 shot a Golden Eagle, the only one met with, near Sheep liock, northeast of Mount Shasta, on August 21, 1883. I was riding in the rear of our party (a division of tlie IJ. S.Geologi(?al Survey), and dropped the noble bird by a shot, from the saddle, as we passed along the trail, within 80 yards of the deart cedar from which it was calmly regarding

us. •

Haliasetus leucocephalus (Linn.). I'xihl IJat/le. Eagles were fre(piently seen in Northern California, and with excep-

ti(m of the one m*entioned in the preceding paragrai>h, 1 think they were all of this si)ecies. Tiiey are destructive to young lambs, and the sheep-herders in nuujy localities are their sworn enemies. ^Vhen on the extreme peak of Shasta (14,440 feet altitude), on July 27, 1883, in company with memb(;rs of tlie U. S. Geological Survey, an l^^agle came up tlirough the fog that had gathered immediately below us and shared with us our rocky pinnacle aboA'e the clouds.

Falco mexicanus Sclilij;- I'rahie Falcon.

Tliis riawk 1 saw

collected at I'oi t (rook by Lieutenaid Parkinson. issr.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. '20?i

Falco peregrinus anatum (IJonap.)- i>i(ch IJawl. Mr. Fiebig informed me tbat this was one of the commonest Hawks about Hnmbohlt Bay. He pronounces it a feeder npon snipe and shore birds ratlior than other game.

Falco colunibarius (Liuii.)- Pigeon Hawk. Numerous specimens of the Pigeon Hawk were obtained at Yreka by Mr. Vuille. It was also taken at Fort Crook by Captain Feihier. I did not find it myself.

Falco richardsoiii Eidgw. Illcliardson^ s Merlin. The presence of this species was noted in Northern California by Mr. Henshaw.

Falco sparverius Li an. Sparrow Hawk. An exceedingly common inhabitant of all parts of the country. It was frequently seen in summer on Mount Shasta, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, and many i^airs were found breeding at the base of the mountain.

Pandion haliaetus caxolinensis (Gm.). American Osprey. The Fish Hawk was occasionally seen on the McCloud River and on streams in the vicinity of Yreka.

Family STEIGIDyE. Baex Owls.

Strix pratincola (Bouap.). American Barn Oicl. This Owl was found by Mr. Henshaw to be tolerably common on the Madeline Plains and at Fort Bidwell. It was also met with by Dr. Newberry. Family BUBONID^E. Horned Owls, etc.

Asio wilsonianus (Less.j. American Long-eared Owl. Collected at Fort Crook, by Captain Feiluer.

Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). Short-eared Owl. This species was fotmd in considerable numbers on Upper Pitt River by Dr. Newberry, was obtained at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner, and is contained in Mr. Fiebig's collection of Humboldt County birds.

Uhila cinerea (Gmel.). Great Gray Owl. Dr. Newberry obtained proofs of the existence of this Owl in the Sac- ramento Valley.

Mega.scops asio kennicottii (Elliot) ? Kennieotfs Screech Owl, In the spring of 1883 I found the fragments of a specimen of this species at Baird. It is represented in tlie collections from Fort Crook.

]\Ir. Ridgway informs me that the si)ecimen from Fort Crook is appar- entlv intermediate between Icnnieotti and benilirei. 204 KOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Megascops flamineolus (Kau))). Fhimmnlated iScrcech Owl. A speciiueti of this southern Owl was takeu at; Fort Crook, iu August, 18G0, by Capt. John Feilner—the lirst instance of its capture i'l the United States.

Oirl. Bubo virgiuiauus subarcticus ( Hoy ). U'csleni Honied

Common throughout Xortheni (3alitoinia. I obtained ii specimen at Ked r.IutTM;nchl2L

Bubo virginianus saturatus IJidujw. Dusky llorvcd Owl. The Horned Owls, which I saw at Humboldt Bay, are jjrobably refer able to this variety. Xo specimens were obtained.

Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea (Hoiiap.). JJiirrowhig Owl. The Burrowing Owl is a very common resident of all suitable places. It was found on the sage-covered districts jiorth of Mount Shasta, and occu[Med the deserted burrows of the spermophiles in the Sacramento Valley.

Glaucidium gnoma AVagl. Pygmy Owl.

I obtained two specimens of the Pygmy Owl at tlie western base of jVIount Shasta in 1883, and two more at Humboldt Bay in 188.3. This is a most interesting binl. It is rather

Family ClICULID^E. Cuckoos.

Geococcyx californianus (Less.). Hoad-runucr; Chaparral Cool:.

The Tload-runncr is rare in Northern Ciilifornia. Found throughout the Sa(;ramento Valley, its munbers gradually diminish towards the north, until at Pittliiver its northward limit is reached. Several hunters informed me that it has been seen in the vicinity of Copper City, on Pitt liiver, ten miles above its conliuence with the Sacramento. It is of more frequent occurrence in the southern i)art of Shasta County, and is not uncommon at Red Blulf, where one was captured during my residence there.

Coccyzus americanus (Liiiii.). Yellow-hilled Cuckoo. At Fort lieading Dr. Newberry frequently saw and heard " Rain Crows,"whichhesupposed to be C.eri/fhrophfhalmus, butas ('. aiinrirfoivs is the oidy ont^ of the genus known to inhabit the Pacifu; slope there can be iitth' doubt about its being this si)ecies. 1H87.", PR0CEP:DING8 of united HTATES national JIUSEUM. 205

Fiiiuily ALCEDINID.E. KiNr.FisiiKU.s.

Ceryle alcyoii (Liiui.)- Hclkd KUxjjinhrr. A resident species, cominon ou streams as las up as the base of Mount Shasta.

Family I'ICID.E. Woodpeckkus.

Dryobates villosus harrisii (Aud.). Ilanin's }Voo

Dryobates piibescens gairdnerii (Aiul.).

Dryobates nuttalli Gamb.. KnltalVa IVoodpeclcr. Found only in the timber belts of the upper Sacramento Valley, of

w^hich it is probably a constant resident, as it was very common about Bed Bluif both in spring aud fall. In Mandi it was more frequently seen in the cottonwoods aud sycamores by the river than elsewhere.

Xenopicus albolarvatiis (Cass.)- Uhilc-hetulrd ]Voodi)€tker. This bird was found to be very common iu summer, in the [>ineries, out of which I have not seen it. Three nests containing young birds were found early in June, iu tlie Mount L:issen region, where tlie s[»ecies appeared to be more numerous than about Mount Shasta. These nests were iu holes iu dead pine trees, within ten or fifteen feet of the ground.

Picoides arcticus (Swains.). Ai-cllr Thrce-tocd Jroodpcck-ci-. Two specimens of the Three-toed AVoodi)ecker were obtained in the dense forest east of Mount Lassen early in June, i^one were found west of the Sierras, where the species is probably very rare. It was found rather common along the eastern slope by Mr. Hensliaw.

Spliyrapicus varius iiuchalis Eaird. Ilid-napcd Sapsucker. A single specimen of this form was obtained at Laird, November 13, 1883. This is the only record of the occurrence of this s[)ecies west of the Sierras, it being ])roperly a bird of tlie region east of the iiiountains.

Spliyrapicus ruber (CJiii.). Ilcd-bnatted Hapniukd-. Found in midsunnner in limited numbers ou the heavily pine timltered slopes of Mounts Shasta aud Lassen, aud in December iu the redwood forests on the coast. Numerous specimeus of this ami the next species were collected at Fort Crook, by Feilner aud Parkinson. 20G NOTES ON CALirOKNIA ANIMALS.

Sphyrapicus thyroideus (Cass.)- J'-huk-hrai'ilcd Woodpecker. Two spL'ciiiu'iKS only of this species were taken, one on the timber line of JMonnt Shasta Angust 25, 188;3, the other at the eastern base of ]\Ionnt Lassen early in June, 1884.

Ceophloeus pileatus (Liuu.)- Pihatcd Woodpecker. This bird was observed on several occasions in tlie high hills along McCloud Kiver and at the base of Mount Shasta, and was seen once tiraoiig the Kedwoods near the coast.

Melauerpes formicivorus bairdi Ridijw. CnUfomian Woodpecker. A very common inhabitant of all parts of the country up to the border of the heavy pine region. I do not remember to Iiave seen it as lar east as IVIount Lassen. iSTeither this nor the uext species were seen iu the belt of iledwood forest along the coast. The trees there borp no marks to indicate the presence of formicirorm.

Melauerpes torquatus (Wils.)- Lewis's Woodpecker, This is probably the most regularly distributed of all the Woodpeckers of this region. It is a constant resident of the valleys and foot-hills, and is found in sunuuer throughout the pine country. One specimen was taken in midsummer on the timber-line of Shasta. It was often seen in winter along the Lower McCloud, and in fall and spring frequented the oak timber of the Upper Sacramento Valley in considerable numbers.

Colaptes cafer ((Jniel.)- Hcd-shafted Flicker. A very common resident of the foot-hills and mountains of the country, probably, however, leaving the higher mountains in winter. It was present in the hills of the Lower McOIoud in January and February, and was found on the timber-line of Shasta in summer.

Colaptes cafer s:ituratior Kiilgw. Xortlnvestern Flicker. The Flickers obtained in the Redwood region and at ivetl Llutf have been referred to this variety by Mr. Kidgway.

Family CAPRIMULGID.E. Goatsuckers.

Phalaenoptilus nuttalli (Aiul.)- roor-will. On July 10, 1884, while deer hunting in the pine forest at the eastern base of Mount Lassen I started a bird of this si)ecies from her eggs. Not having a gun adai)ted to the puri)()se 1 could not obtain the bird, but was near enough to identify the si)ecies with certainty, even if I had not additional evidence in the characteristic creamy whiteness of the eggs. These latter were on the ground, in the open forest, entirely un- protected by nest or shelter of any kind. They measured 1.00 by .70 and 1.00 by .78 inch. ISbT.J PKOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 201

The species is kuowu to be a simmier resident of the couutry to the eastward of the Sierras, aud if found at all to the west of the mountains, in the northern part of California, it is as a rare visitor, for there is no record of any suchdistributiou, and 1 did not meet with it except upon

this occasion. It was collected at Yreka by ]\Ir. Vieille.

Chordeiles virginiauus henryi (Cass.)- Wcsiern Nighthaick. X common summer inhabitant of the open country.

Family MICROPODID.E. Swifts.

Chsetura vauxii (Towns.). I'aux's Swift. "Common in California." (Newberry.)

Family TROCHILID.E. IIcmmixgiukds.

Trochilus alexandri Bonrc. & Muls. Bluclc-chinntd Hummin'jhird. A very common summer resident of the foothills, breeding- numer- ously on the Lower McCloud Kiver, where seven nests were found at intervals from May 2S to June 20, 1883. These nests were without exception built on the branches of alders and other low bushes close

by the McCloud liiver or the creeks Howing into it, none of them being- loo liigli to be easily reached from the ground. While composed mainly of the cottony down of plants general!^ used by Hummingbirds for building material, they were very differently disguised by the materials used for their outside covering. InsteaMay 28, was composed of the above-mentioned seed husks and spider-webs to the total exclusion of the usual down of willows and other plants. Only one nest in the lot was entirely lichen-coated, aud as it was built in a young live oak

this coating corresponded with the gray-colored branch on which it rested much better than would the brownish color emi^loyed to disguise the nests in the lichen-colored branches of the alders. Here we have a beautiful adaptation of means to reciuisite ends, which may be further illustrated by similar methods of concealment adopted by two of the following species. In all these instances the artifices resorted to by the birds to render their nests inconspicuous ap|)eared to be efl&cient, for I do not remember even to have discovered any of the twenty or more Hummingbirds' nests I have collected until their posi- tions were disclosed by the movement of the builders or the actions of the anxious parent birds. 208 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Tlic iiiciistirciiKMits of lour 0!^;;s of this specjes from as many dificrciit nests were (in luimhcltlis of an inch): .18 by .o2, .50 by .aJ, .50 l)y .oo, and .50 by .'M.

Trocliilus anna (Less.). Anm'fi Jluminiiujlnnl.

Tlie si)ecies wjis fonnd in abundauco along the Lower McClond and in the timber belts of the npper Sacramento Valley. Specimens were obtained in the former region as early as March 7. On Febrnary 4 L saw a Ilummingbird miles above the month of Pitt Kiver, which I think Ix'longed to this species. Another was seen on Febrnary 24, on the Lower IM(;('l()nd Tiiver, which also seemed to be of this species. As there was a little snow on some of the hill-sides at that early date, these birds api)eared to be advancing more rapidly than the season, but the manzanita blossoms which were beginning to appear on the sunnier slopes probably encouraged them in their northward movement.

I did not myself find this bird breeding in these places, but nests collected at the United States tishery on McCloud ; liver by Mr. Liv- ingston Stone establish the fact. These are altogether the coarsest

nests I have seen, being made of plant down and tlaxy plant tibers with a miscellaneous coating of mosses, coarse lichens, husks of buds, tiny bits of bark, and even a few minute twigs. I think they wouM har- monize admirably with their surroundings in the high oak trees in which they are said to have been i)laced.

l''.arly in June I found a curious double nest which, from its coarse structure and heavy covering of mosses and lichens, might have been built by this species, l)ut 1 could not make its identity certain by obtaining the bird. A fresh nest was placed upon a bit of drift lodged in the tip of a swaying branch of a willow which overhung the IMcOloud liiver. To the side of this mass of leaves and grasses was attached a weather-worn nest which in all [)robability had been built the previous season by the same bird.

Trocliilus rufus (jiiicl. Iiii/uiix Jlinnmiiiijbird.

This bird was tirst seen in the foot-hills of the Lower McOloud about

April 5, its presence there being noted throughout the summer. Several specimens of males in flue plumage were obtained on ]\Liy 17 in the vicinity of certain beds of wild flowers on the tops of the high hills about the United States fishery. In such places I was always certain of finding a considerable number of them during the latter part of the month, and their actions there were cliaracterized by a wondei'ful degree of animation. Tlie males Avere (u)nstantly darting into the air to a height of liO or 40 feet above their fellows, uttering sharp squeaks and

dropi)ing almost instantly anion •; them and buzzing among the tlowers

in the noisiest possible manner. 1 could find no nests of this species,

Txocliilus calliope Gould. Cdlliopc IIuiiiiiiiiKjInnL This species was uot uiet with iiutil May 17, when two were obtained ainotiiLj tlie above-mentioned wild flowers in company with TrocJiilus ri(fi(s. J fonnd nests on the following dates: May 29, June and 12. These were in trees on the bank of McCloud Eiver, and were observed to be lichen-coated, to correspond with their situations. One of them, so placed upon a decayed limb as to be completely sheltered by a larger one immediately over it. was covered with as great a variety of materials as the nests of Trochilmunncv, and in a

Fiiiuily TYKANNID^E. Tvkant FiA'CATcnEi;s.

Tyrauiiua veiticalis Say. fVcutcrii Kbi

Myiarciius cinerascens Lawr. Jsh-UiroaJed Fli/calcJicr. This species ariived at Ked Bluff' April 25, and at Baird May 15. It is comuion in summer, both in the Sacramento Valley aud in the chap- airal and wooded country higher up. It was not found in the pine regions of Mounts Shasta and Lassen.

Sayoniis saya (nsniap.). Say'ts rhwbe. A cominou sutumer resident of the Upper Sacramento Valley, particularly iu the viciuity of Ked Bluff', where it was first observed March 11. It was uot fouad to iuhabit higher country.

Sayornis nigricans (Swains. ). Blavk Phoebe.

The Black L*ewee was noticed at Baird as early as February 21), 1SS4, and the first nest of eggs was obtained April 21. It remained about the buildings throughout the summer, usually raising two broods. Found everywhere but in the mountains.

Coutopus borealis (Sv.aluis. ). Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Not uncommon in the pine forests in summer. I found it on one or two occasions as high as the timber-line on Shasta. Specimens were rather hard to procure, owing to the great height which the bird main- tained in the trees. It was seldom seen in the pineiies qf the Lassen region.

Contopixfj richardsoni (Sw.). Western IVood I'ewev.

A comnion summer inhabitant of the foot hills and u}oi|ntaius. It was uot obtained at Saird until May 28, and. \vas not WQti(?e(| at all iu t|iQ Sacramento Valley. Troo, N. M, 87---14 210 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Empidonax pusillus (Svraius.)- LUth Fli/cafvlur. Specimens of this species were obtained in Lassen and Modoc Counties of the by Mr. Heusbaw, who reports it as a numerous summer resident eastern slope of the Sierras.

Empidoiiax obscurus (Swaius.)- Wrujhl's Flycatcher. breedin.u" in 1 did not meet with this species myself, but it was found Lassen County by Mr. Henshaw, where, however, it was not common. Specimens were collected at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner.

Family ALAUDID.E. Lakks.

Otocoris alpestris rubea lleiish. JUuWij Horned Lark. This jbrm of the Horned Lark is a very common inliabitant of the plains and open country everywhere in Northern Calilbrnia. It was found in limited numbers on the sage-covered districts north of Mount Shasta in midsummer. The closely- grazed sheep pastures of the Upper Sacramento Valley were alive with them in April and May, and they were abundant in July on the grassy plains east of Mount Lassen. As 1 was not at lied Bluif in midsummer or midwinter I cannot aflirm that they are always present there, but think it not nnlikely a few were nesting there late in May. On May 4 1 found a most remarkable nest ot eggs in all probability of this species. I had secured a number of Horned Larks the same morning in a stubble-field and a nest containing one egg of the n.^ual olive-white color, with minute dark spots, so characteristic of the egg of the species, when a plowman approached with a nest containing threi' eggs of similar size and i)atlern of marking, but so sufliised with a rich reddish-brown as to be unrecognizable. The man said they were those of a bird exactly like the Otocoris in my

basket. 1 ioth nests were of equal size, loosely made of grasses and weeds and placed an)ong the clods and stubble. There were no other birds on the entire plain but Horned Larks, and as the eggs agree with no others, there is no other resort than to call them eggs of this species. The measurements (in hundredths of an inch) are: of the normal egg .TG by .60, and of the reddish colored set, .SI by .58, .70 by .50, .74 by .50.

Otocoris alpestris strigata Ilnusli. i^lreaked Hormd Lark. This northwestern dark-colored race was abundant at IJed Llulf in Decembei-, when a few specimens were obtained.

Family CORVID.F. Chows, Jays, Ma(;pies, Ac.

Pica pica hudsonica (Sal),). Amer'teun Maf/piv.

This species is known to the legion chietly from specimens taken at Fort Crook by Cai)tain Feilner. Its western limit is reached there,

for it is replaced on the op[)osite side of the Sierras by the next species. 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 211

Pica uuttalli Ami. Yellow-billed MaMarch 10, but 1 found no eggs, althougli I ius])ected them regularly for a month or more. I have no reason to believe that any new nests were built, but 1 think that the birds laid their eggs in two oi- three old nests that were inaccessible to me. All those examined were found to be roofed with twigs in the usual manner of Magpies' nests, and had oi)enings on opposite sides so that the birds could enter and leave without the incon- ^•euience of turning their long tails in crowded (inarters. 1 saw a pair of sparrow hawks Hying in and out of one of these arboreal brush-piles early in the spring, but could not determine whether they nested there on account of its inaccessible situation,

Cyanocitta stelleii (Guiel.). !

Cyanocitta stelleii frontalis (lii(lg\Y.). /line-fronted Juy.

This jay is a very common inhabitant of the pine region, wintering in consideral)le numbers in the foot-hills, where a few remain to breed* I found full grown young birds at tiiC timber-line of Shasta in midsummer. It was not observed in the Sacramento Valley in winter.

Aphelocoma californica (Vig. ). California Jai/. A common resident of the foot-hills in summer and of the valleys in winter, generally speaking, stragglers being found in both regions at all seasons. It was very rarely found in the higher i)ine country. One specimen was obtained near the base of Mount Shasta, at an altitude of 4,500 feet. The only nest obtained at Eed Bluff was taken May 1.

Perisoreus obscurus (Kidgw.). Ore'jon Jai/. The only place in the interior where I found this species was on the heavily-timbered slopes of Mount Shasta a lev/ thousand feet below timber-line, where four Hocks of about half a dozen birds each were seen. I saw a floek on the west side of the mountain on July 30. Ten specimens were collected on the east side during August and Septem- ber. On September 7 1 crippled one of a band of five, which scieamed so continuously that its comrades returned and assaulted it furiously. They were so excited by its cries that I shot one after the other in quick succession until all were immolated upon the altar of ornithology, the last one still violentlj' attacking the first unfortunate. These very interesting birds never appeared as pests about our camp, as they are known to do in Oregon and elsewhere. They were silent creatures, with the exception of a startling scream sometimes uttered when flying 212 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS. hi^'h tluou-li the tops of the i)iiic.s. None were observed amoii!^- the conifers of JMoiiut Lassen, but in December, 1885, numerous bauds were met witli in the Humboldt redwood forests.

Haven. Corvus corax sinuatus (Wagl ). American Bluff. It is re- The Kaven I only saw on one or two occasions at Red corded by other observers as a common species of all parts of the country except the high mountains, and was collected at Fort Crook by Lieutenant Parkinson. On the coast, however, about Humboldt Bay appeared to be scarcely it was constantly present. California Kavens more than half the size of those 1 obtained in Xorthern Alaska, and certaiidy had not half the vocal power of the Alaskan birds, which are remarkably loud-voiced.

Corvus ameiicanus And. American Crow. An abiyidant, constant resident of the U[)per Sacramento Valley, occasionally wandering- into the higher foot-hills. It was seen on two or three occasions in the hills about Baird, but was not observed anywhere breeding everywhere in the high mountains. Early in May Crows were contained in the timber belts south of Eed Bluff. Their nests always those ot four eggs, and neither nests nor eggs differed in any way from the common eastern Crow, although the birds themselves were inva- riably found to be much smaller. They exhibited none of the pro- verbial wariness of eastern Crows, and were always easily obtainable. On one occasion, tinding it necessary to economize ammunition, 1 poi- soned wheat with strychnine, hoping to obtain specimens thereby, but although sick Crows were noticed in the vicinity for several days after- ward, only one died from the effects of the poison.

Picicorvus columbianus (Wils.)- Clarkc/s XuUrac.kcr. My most ]>leasurable memories of bird collecting in California arc insei»arably connected with the time spent in hunting the Nutcracker along the timber-line of :\[ount Shasta. Hi^h up on the lonely mountain, where the dark pine forest gives place to scattered trees and stunted shrubs, where tracts of pumice and ashes, marking old volcanic liows, lie strewn with lava bowlders, and where common bird life languishes, is the home of the Nutcracker. Such a locality is desolate for from the somber enough, but is not without its grander asi)ects ; ibreground the picture widens out into vistas the sublimity of which becomes iiulelibly stamped upon the imagination. On one side and below are the forests stretching downwards and away tarther than the in grandeur eye Ccau see, affording glimpses of scenery only surpassed by the view on the other side, where the snowy peak rises glistening in the sunshine far above. In the thin air of this high latitude—nine or ten thousand feet—any but the slowest walking is too exhausting to be continued long, and as the Nutcrackers are observant and shy, it is not an easy matter to shoot iSsr.j PROCEEDINGS OP UNITED STATES NATIONAL MttSEUM. 213

tlieiii. Tbey are .such restless rovers, too, that one can never depend on their remaining long enough in one situiitio;i to be stalked. It is useless to follow one of these birds, for when he leaves the ])ine cone at which he may have been hammering contentedly he is as likely to fly clean out of the neiglilxnhood as not. The best way to get the birds IS to shoot them on the wing from some covert over which they are likely to fly in passing from one patch of pihons to another. Their coming is unmistakably announced by their incessant s(|ualling. hjven when feeding the Nutcrackers kee^) up a peevish s(;olding. In summer their heads and breasts are always reddened l)y the juice of the unripe cones of PIums Ji^.rilifi, but later they depend on the seeds of the larger pines.

Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus (Wicd.). I'lnon Jaij. About fifteen sj»ecimens of this species were collected at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner. Tiiere are no records showing that it has been found in this region by any one else, but there (^an be no doubt that it inhabits the |)inon-covered localities generally.

Family ICTEEID.'E. Blackbirds, Okioles, &c.

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Conap.). YcUow-lieadcd Blackbird. A bird common in Northern California, but of irregular distribution, often passing over extensive stretches of unfavorable country to arrive at the cultivated tracts and reedy lakes where it breeds. This is characteristic of all the Blackbirds found in the country, for, after leaving the Sacramento Valley, the settled places aie few and far between, and Blackbirds are too partial to grassy meado ws and niarshes to wander far from them. 1 do not remember of ever seeing a Blackbird of any species among the foot-hills of the Lower McCloud. This species was often found among the flocks of Brewer's Blackbirds that frequented the timothy meadows of Berry vale, at the western base of Mount Shasta, 3,500 feet altitude. Very few were seen at Red Bluff, but large numbers were found breeding in the " tules " bordering Eagle

Lake. Here they led an independent sort of life amid strange surroundings, for with the exception of the marsh wreus that nested in the riieds with them, other species of land birds were scarce; ducks, coots, and grebes weresplashing and gabbling ainong the reedsbeneath their nests; gulls, terns, shags, and pelicans were flying overhead or darting into the water all around. The rippling surfiice of the lake, tlie waving reeds along its miirgin, the tall pines, with their background of mountains, and the presence of a great variety of birds, all contributed to form h.ere a scene of life and beauty. I'lom tlu'ir station upon the tops of the tules these Blackbirds dis[)iayed their yelU)\v heads and vied with their strange neiglibors iu noise and animation.

Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.'). lUdwnKjvd HUiclhhd.

An abundant summer resident oi" the cuiiivated country north of Mount Shasta, and obs(u^ved in moderaxe numi>c,'s in suitable localities 214 N0TK8 OX CALIl'OKNIA ANIMALS.

elsewhere. It was lirst seeu at Red Hlnlf March lii, in coiupaiiy with Brewer's Blackbird.

Agelaius guberuator (Wagl.)- IlUohnd Jiluckbird. This form may have been amoii;^- the Hocks of tlie preceding;- species

that were observed in various places, but J did not recogtiize it as sncli. Dr. Newbecry found it common in the Sacramento Valley and Mr. Henshaw records its presence on the eastern slope of tlie Sierras,

Agelaius tricolor (Nutt.)- Trimlored Jihtilhiiil.

As this is a spe(;ies not distinjiuishable on si<4ht from the two preceding- species when iiocking with them, and as none were collected, I

cannot aflirm that it is a bird of the re.^ion under dis(;ussion. It is ad- mitted on the strenjijth of the records of Drs. Newberry and Ileermann ; according" to the former, common in the Klamath basin, and tlie latter, breeding- in great numbers in the vicinity of the town of Shasta.

Sturnella magna neglecta Ami. H'cstrrn Meadow Lark. The remarks on the distribution of the precedin<^ species of the family Icteridai are largely applicable to this one, which is very numerous wherever there are meadows of any considerable extent. It is exceedingly abundant throughout the up])er end of the Sacramento Valley, especially when the larks of the higli mountain meadows also gather there to pass the winter. I found one individual frozen in the snow of Shasta in August, more than 1,000 feet above the timber-line.

Ictertis bullocki (Swains.). Jit(Uoch\i Oriole.

Bullock's Oriole was ftrst collected at the United States fishery on Apiil 25. A pair nested in a " live oak " overhaaging the river quite near the fishery, and I was entertained by the hostile bearing of the male toward iiitru(l

These Orioles were first seen at Red Bluff Ai)ril 5, where they nested regularly in the cottonwoous and locusts about the ranch buildings. In a clump of half a dozen trees at one place I counted more than twenty deserted nests, some of which were occupied by crimson-fronted house finches. The nnnd)er of old nests about this house would seem to indicate that they were not ()ccu[)ied a second time by the orioles. One of these nests was composed almost entirely of various kinds of strings and coarse twine, interwoven throughout with horse hair, which last ap- l)eared to enter largely into the c()m[>osition of all the nests. It was cer- ISHl".] I'ROCKKDlJJGS OV ttNlTED STATICS NATIONAI. MUSEUM. 2 1 f) tainly a couvciiieut building; imUcrial, for tlioie were more tliau a lum- dred horses aud mules on the rauch, and combings Irom their manes and tails were sticking everywhere about the stables and corrals. This species was very abundunt in the timber belts of the Uppor Sacramento Valley about the latter part of April, feeding among the new leaves of the oaks, but later in the season had mostly scattered ofl" to their nesting places in various parts of the valleys aud foot-hills. Xonc were seen in the pine country or the high mountains.

Scolecophagus cyaiiocephalus (Wugl.)- Jireiver^s Bluckhird. The most abundant of all the Blackbirds of IS^orthern California, and like the other species a summer resident of all localities suitable for blaekbirds. They were not luimerons at Red Bluff until near the last of March. Family FRINGILLID.^. Fintciies, Spaukows, &c.

Coccothraustes vespertma (Cooper). Evening Grosbeak. Seemingly very rare. Two specimens have been procured in this region, one at Fort Crook, by Captain Feiluer, and the other at Yreka, by Mr. Vuille.

Carpodacus purpureiis californicus Biiird. California Purple Fincli. This species was observed on a few occasions only. It was taken at Baird on June G, and again on the i'ith, 1883. A single individual was obtained at the eastern base of JMouut Lassen on June 1, 1884, and it was subsequently secured at Iluniboldt Bay in December, 1885.

Carpodacus cassini Baird. Cassiu's Purple Finvli. Cassin's Purple Finch is an abundant summer inhabitant of the mountains aud the pine regions generally. During tlie summer of 1883 it was found in abundance on the higher slopes, and especially along the timber-line of Mount Shasta, where, although no nests were found, its breeding was indicated by the large proportion of young birds present. Very few were to be found at the base of the mountains and none in the lower foot-hills and valleys, with exce]>tion of a single individual taken on the Lower McCloud November IG. It is probably only iound there when passing between its winter and summer homes.

Carpodacus frontalis (Say). House Finch.

The House Finch is a very abundant resident of all parts of Northern California, except the pine forests and the high mountains. The majority of those that are in the foot-hills in summer probably winter lower down, for only occasional stragglers were seen at Baird ni winter. ^Vc Red Bluff they begau nesting about May 1. Here their presence and agreeable songs enlivened the usually unattractive buddings upon the grain ranches, where they were the prevailing species during tl»e long dry season when most valley birds seek the shelt 'r of the timber. The "Linnets," as these birds are called m California, nest in all sorts of 210 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

places. At ii ranch near the town, where my laboratory was set up for a time, they took possession of all the available cracks and crevices about the buildings, nesting also in the locust trees, the rose bushes, and even in several deserted nests of Bullock's Oriole. They did not accept these nests as built by the Orioles, but constructed their own nests in«ide, often half filling them with rubbish. One of these was tilled to overflowing, so there was barely room for the eggs, thus making it quite a heavy and bulky affair. Sometimes their nests were found in the lower branches of the cottouwoods along the river. The nest of the ITouse Finch, in the materials entering into its com position, is subject to as great variety as is its situation, being made of all kinds of green and dried weeds, of coarse twine and strings, of sun- dry fibers of dead weeds, with lining of horse-tail, wool, cotton, or in fact of any handy material that would do to build a bird's nest out of. They lay not more than five eggs, which are subject to much variation in their marking. They arc very destructive to fruit, and in some places T found the ranchers prepared with special ammunition for de- stroying them. In the autumn they are gregarious, and a flock of thirty or forty of these rosy fellows in one small tree is a pretty sight.

Loxia curvirostia minor (Brebra). A mericatt Crossbill. This resident of the pines appears to be somewhat irregular in its distribution. Although I spent more than two mouths among the conifers of Mount Shasta, Crossbills were not met with, except on one occasion, until September 3, on the eastern slope. Our camp, at an elevation of about 0,000 feet, on a small stream, was occasionally visited by small bands of these birds. I soon learned from the monotonous iu)tes which they uttered in concert when flying when they were about camp, and on going out usually saw them in the tops of certain tamaracks near by. As observed in the pine region east of Mount Lassen the following summer tliey were more numerous and easier to obtain. In this region they were nearly always to be found in three particudar localities in the vicinity of springs, and seldom anywhere else. One of these was our own cabin, and I collected many Crossbills l)y firing from the door with a parlor gun which did not make report enough to frighten them away. It w-jis their custom to come to a stump before the door early in the morning, often half a dozen being on it at onc(% and sometimes three or four conUl be killed in succession before they became alarmed. A few moments' inspection of the place from the nearest ])ine was sufficient to restore their confidence, however, and they would come down again. I have every reason to believe that the source of their attraction to this particular stump was salt, as we always salted the horses there, and thero. was always n)orc or less of it sticking in the crevices. This stump was resorted toby poicui)iiu\s during llu^ night for the salt which 18.^r.J PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 21? permeated it, and I am at a loss to explaiu its attraction for the birds in any other way. A spring in a grove of aspens some miles away was also nnich frequented by Crossbills, but as I saw them there only when i)assing by, there was no opportunity for observing their habits. The thir

Spinus tristis (Liuu.). American Goldfinch. Common at Red Bluff in spring and summer, where they were usually found in flocks in the cottouwoods along the river. They were first seen March 20. Also obtained at Humboldt Bay.

Spinus psaltria (Say). Arkansas Goldfinch.

The Green-backed Goldfinch is a common summer resident of the foot- hill country, particularly the lower parts. A limited number Avander higher into the mountains and still fewer remain in the valleys, although two nests were found at Red Blufl' (April 30 and May 14). The first one of the season arrived at Baird as early as IMarch 1.

Spinus pinus (Wils. ). Pine Siskin. A considerable number of specimens of the pine goldfinch were collected at Fort Crook by Capt. Feiluer. I did not meet with it myself untd I arrived at Humboldt Bay in N^ovember, 1S85, where, however, it was seldom seen.

Poocaetes gramineus confinis Baird. Jl'estern Vesper Sparrow. Not represented in my collection, but common in the valleys, according to Dr. Newberry and Mr. Henshaw.

Ammodranius sandiwichensis alaudiuus (lip.)- Wesiern Sarannah Sparrow.

This species was found in abundance at Red Bluff in spring and fall. I^ot having been there in summer and winter, I am uncertain whether it winters there, but there is little doubt that it remains through the hot weather, although the greater part of the valley birds wander a little higher up at that season. Large Hocks of the species were gath- 218 NOTKS ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

I'K'd t<);;('llK'r laic in December. With the exception of a very lew

Ibiiiid near the mouth of the McCloud Elver in November they were not observed in lii,

Chondestes grammacias strigatus (Sw.)- Wo^UrH Lark Finch. An abundant summer resident of all parts of the country, except the pine forests and the high mountains. As observed, breeding Lite in May at Baird, the nests were on the ground, wliile at lied Bluff' they nested two weeks earlier, and all the nests noticed were in h)w trees. It was very abundant in August on the higli lying plains northward of Mount Shasta.

Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst.). WMie-cronncd Sparrow. Numerous in the mountains of the northeastern i)art of the State, where it was found breeding in June by Mr. Uenshaw. Also recorded from :Xortliern California, by ]>r. Newberry. I have not recognized it then^ myself.

Zonotrichia intermedia Ridgw. Jtitcrmediale Sjiarrow. Tliis species was abundant at Bed Bluff in the spring. Flocks of them, accompanied by occasional individuals of eoronata, constantly frequented the brush fences of certain localities. A few were observed there in December also. They were seen only at rare intervals in the region round about ]\Iount Lassen and were not found at all about Mount Shasta.

Zonotrichia gambeli (Nntt.)- (rambcr.s S2)arrow. A single S[)ecimen of this form was obtaine(l at the United States fislieiy November 10.

Zonotrichia eoronata (Pall.)- Goldeii-croicved Sparrow. Occasionally met with at lied Bluff" in jMarch, and oidy nnde:- the circumstances mentioned in the paragraph relating to 'nitermc

Spizella monticola ochiacea Brewst. Wenlcrn Trev, Sparrow.

Tliis species is represented in Captain Feilner's JMut Crook colle(;- tion.

Spizella socialis arizonae Coii(\s. (rc^tern Chipphij/ Sparrow. Met with almost everywhere in the country, even np to the timber- line of Shasta, where nunierons younj>' birds were fonnd in midsummer. The va'ley region about lied Bluff was the oidy locality where this sparrow was really rare. At Jiaird nests wei-e found late in Mny and at ]Mount Lassen early in June.

Spizella breweri C.-iss. Hrrwrr's Sj)<(rrotc. Keeorded as iihinid.'.nt i)y Dr. Newberry and Mr. Ilensliaw. Speci- mens were collected at \\n\ Crook by Ca])tain I-'eiliier. 1>H7.] rROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 219

Juiico hyeinalis oiegoniis (Towns.)- Orcf/oii Jinico.

The Oregon Snowbird is a very coiuinon iulial)itant of the high mountains, retiring to all i^arts of the lower country in winter. Snowbirds breed everywhere in the pine country about Mount Shasta, and often at the timber-line. At Mount Lassen, where they were equally common, a nest of four fresh eggs was taken on June C. It was built on tlie ground, the usual situation of nests of this species. These birds were abundant and familiar at Red Bluff early in the spring, and were noted among the foot-hills of the Lower Mc(31oud River in January.

Ampliispiza belli nevadensis (Kidgw.). Saije S^yarrow. Xot observed by me, but found in moderate numbers in the sage-covered districts of Northeastern California b3^ Mr. Ilenshaw.

Melospiza fasciata heevmaniii (Baird). Heermann' a Song Sjyarrow. This species appears to be confined to the foot-hills proper, of which it is a constant and rather common resident. It may be fonnd along with the next species in the valleys, but I did not recognize it elsewhere than as stated.

As a rule it frequents the shrubbeiy overlianging the streams, in which situations it nests in April, especially towards the last of the month. All the nests found along the McOloud River were built among the drift twigs and leaves lodged in the low bushes at the season of high water. One found May 10 was a bulky structure of the outer bark of reeds, with some grasses and withered leaves, the lining being princi- pally of the separated fibers of dead weeds and reeds. It contained five eggs of a pale blue-ground color, minutely dotted with reddish- brown, especially at the larger end. Their measurements were: one,

.78 by .GO ; one, .82 by .GO, and three .80 i^y .GO inch.

Melospiza fasciata samuelis (B;iird). Samuels's Song Sparrotv. A single specimen, the only one of the kind seen, was taken on the coast at the mouth of Eel River in December, 1885.

Melospiza fasciata guttata (Nntt. ). liw^i;/ 8ung Sparrow.

Not uncommon at Baird in fall and winter, associating i)robably with the above-mentioned variety, as it affects similar localities. At Red Bluff it was seldom obtained.

Melospiza lincolni (Aud.). Lincohi's Sparrow. Specimens of Lincoln's finch were collected at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner.

Passerella iliaca unalasclicensis (Gin.). TownacncVs Sparrow. The only specimen of the genus Fasserella, collected on the Lower McCloud River, iiroves to be of this variety. It was taken at the United States fishery on Septend)er 24, 1883. Common on the coast of Humboldt County. 2t20 XOTES ON CALirORKIA ANIMALS.

Passerella iliaca megarhyncha (Raird). Thirt-hUhd Sp((i(rrow. Coniuiou about Mount Shasta in summer, where it frequented tlic eliaparral tracts and the bushes scattered through the pine country. Althouj;li no nests were found, its breeding there was indicated by the number of iimnature birds uiet with.

Passerella iliaca schistacea (Bainl). Slate-colored Sjyarrow. Tliis slate-colored variety was found in abundance in June in brushy tracts everywhere about the eastern base of Mount Lassen.

Pipilo maculatus megalonyx (Hainl). Spurred Towhee. The Spurred Towliee is an abundant, constant resident of all parts of the country, excepting, perhaps, the higher slopes of the mountains, as

1 did not tind it on Shasta above 5,500 feet altitude. The nesting i)eriod, as indicated by the dates of nests found in the valleys and foot-hills, extends from the middle of April to the last of May.

Pipilo maculatus oregonus (Bell). Oregon Towhee. :My coast specimens of the Towhee arc all typical oregonus. Abun- dant in Humboldt County.

Pipilo chlorurus (Towns.)- Green-tailed Towhee. The Green-tailed Finch was found to be quite common -in the brushy tracts that are interspersed through the higher pine regions, never being- found lower than the bases of Shasta and Lassen.

Pipilo fuscus crissalis (Vig.).. Califoririan Towhee. An exceedingly common all-the year-round inhabitant of the foot hills and valleys. It was very rarely found higlier than the border of the heavy pine country. The breeding season ai)i)ears to be later than that of P. mcoalonij.r, lasting from May 1 until July 1. The builders of these latest nests may have been raising a second brood, but it is rarher doubtiul. As it was noticed neither as f;ir north as Mount Shastii nor as far west as Mount Lassen, its range in the interior of Northern California m:iy be considered as limited to the Sacramento Valley and tlu' foot hills

which incdose it.

Habia melanocephala (Swains.). Blacl-headcd Gi-osheal'. This grosbeak is a Common summer resident of the foot hill region, never having l)eeu observed higher than 3,000 feet altitude. IL arrived at Red Blutf May 1, and at Laird May 11. At Ked Blutf it jirobably never remains to breed, but passes through to higher country. A nest of three eggs was found at Baird "May 21, in some tangled bushes by the river. It was comi)osed entirely of twigs, the lining consisting merely of rather liner ones, and the whole not so (!ompactly built but that one

could see through it. The eggs, of a light blue color, weri' I'atiier closely spotted, especially at the larg 'r end. These spots were in two layers. 1SC57.J i'koci:e!>in»js of united .si'atks national mushum. 221

the uikUt and obscurer ones bciii,!;' of ii puriilisli i;rjiy, the distinct out

side scries of uuibcr brown. T1k3 e,iii;s measured: on(>, .9li by ,08, tlic other two, .94 by .00 incli.

Guiraca cserulea (l/uiii.). JUiic Groshcaly. The only account of the occurrence of this s[)ecies iu Xoitliern (Jab-

Toruia is by Dr. Xewberry, who fouiul it on lJ[)i)er Pitt Itiver.

Passeiiua amoena (Say). Laztdi Jlintlituj.

A couiniou summer resident of all i)arts of the country up to the border of the dense pine region. It arrived at or, more i)roperiy, passed

through, Ited liluff May 1, and was first seen at JJaird about the uiiddle

of the month. The first nest was found May -0 at tlit^ latter placa It was a symmetrical structure of dried grasses and tlui outer <;overing or bark of certain species of reeds, the whole being so wiihered and bleached as to present a uniform grayish a[)pearan(;e. There was no lining, and as the eggs had not yet been laid it is not unlikely that it was an un- finished nest. A few bits of moscpiito netting were the only artificial substances in its composition, it was attached to the twigs of a low shrub, among some l)owlders near the river.

Family TANAGlilD.E. TAXAiricus.

Piranga liidoviciaiia ^_^\'i!s.). l^ouisiaint fdiiagcr.

A very common summer resideut of the foot hills and mountaius. It arrived at Eaird May 14, and at lied lilufif, the following season, May 17. At the latter place it occurs only when passing through to higher country. Fiuriily HIRUNDINID.E. Swallows.

Pi'Ogue subis (Ijiuu.)- rurple Martin.

Martins were not common in the lo;;alities wluu'e 1 collected. A few were noticed about some buildings at the west base of .Mount Shasta iu midsummer, A colony of a dozen or more was found established in a large dead pine on the edge of the forest at the eastern base of Mount Lassen on June 0. The only nest 1 could reach occni)ied a large decayed cavity 2t) feet from the ground. It contained four fresh eggs. There were other nests higher up.

Petioclielidon lunifrons (Say). Cliff Swalloir.

Common only in certain localities. A moderate number of Clitf Swallows inhabited the buildings alluded to in the account of the preceding species, and they w^ere abundant in the cultivated region about S)Usanvdle, Lassen County. They were very rarely seeu in the Sacra- mento Valley, and never found breeding on cliffs or other natural situations.

Chelidon erythrogaster (BocUI,). Bam Swallow.

Of similar distnbtitiou m(\ abi;a(lq,nce a3 the 01 iff' S\7^Uow. 222 NOTES OX CALiroKMA ANIMALS.

Tachycineta bicolor (Vioill.). Tree Swallow. All iibuiulaut .summer resident of all settled parts of Northeru Cali- Ibruia. The ihst bird of the season at Baird was seen as early as Feb- ruarj' 24, and the first nest of eggs (a set of seven) was found May IL'. These Swallows nested regularly under the eaves of the tishery build ings, and sometimes established eolonies in dead trees along the rivef. About lied lUuff they seemed to prefer dead trees in tlw timber belts to the artiiicial nesting plaees aftbrded by the buildings on the ranehes.

Tachycineta thalassina (Swaius.). Vioh't-green Swallow. The Violet-green Swallow was often seen Hying over the almost iii- aecessible limestone rocks which crowned the high iiJuly 4, 1883.

Clivicola ripaiia (Liiii).). Hank Swallow.

Not found in any of the localities! visited, but according to Dr. New- berry and Mr. Ileushaw it is not uncommon.

Stelgidopteryx serripemais (Amio. Uonijk-wUujed Swallow.

Apparently rare. Specimens were obtained at Baird on July 7, 1S8;>, and at Red iilulf IMay 9, 1884.

l^imily AMPELID^. Waxwings, &c.

Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). Cedar JVaxwiiig.

Seemiugl.v I'are, having been observed on one occasion only. A Hock of about a dozen ap^peared at Red Bluft" on December 19.

Phainopepla uiteiis (.Sw. ). I'hainopepla.

I am almost certain that I saw this species at J'.ainl late in June, 1883. Its claim to being a bird of the region is established by the fact of its having been taken at Fort Crook by Captain Feilner. This is probably the most northerly record of its range.

Family LANIID^E. HiiiiiKES.

Iiaiiius ludovicianus (Liuu.). Loggerhead Shrike. Xot uncommon about Red Bluff in the spring. A single specimen was obtained on a sage plaineast of Mount Lassen in July, 1884. Shrikes were never seen in the foot-hills of Shasta County.

Lauius ludovicianus excubitorides (Ssv.). l\li\ie-rnmp(d Shrike.

Very rare, as it was found only on the sage plains n«'ar Vreka in August, and at lIuml)oldt l>ay in J)eceml)er.

Family VI KEONID/E. ViUEOS.

Vireo gilvus (Vi(;ill.)- Warbling Virco.

Uncommon. At Baird it was first observed on June 7, where occasional ones were met with during the spring and early summer. It was found at rare intervals in midsummer about the base of Shasta. 1HS7.3 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED .STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 223

Vireo solitarius cassinii (Xantus). CaHsiu'a J'ino. JMore commoii and more geueniily distiibutcd than any otbei- viico.

It was lirst observed at Baird May li[). Very rarely seen in the Shasta and Lassen regions.

Vireo huttoaii Cass. Mutton's Virco. Iluttou's Vireo was met with oceasionally during the spring and summer at Baird, where it was first observed May ".iL

Family ULNIOTILTID.E. Wooi> Wauuleks.

Helniiuthopliila ruficapilla gutturalis Kidgw. LdJarintN IVarlihr. ivare at Baird, where I obtained only a single s[)ecimcn. In August the}' were rather eominon among the bushes about the margin of Castle Lake, 1*0 miles west of JNlouut Shasta., associating with the Pileolated Warblers [Sijlcania pileolata), which were equally common. A little later some were found on the highest timber-line of Shasta, w !nM<' a few young birds also were seen.

Helmiiithophila celata lutesceiis Eidgw. Lutesccnt ]Vt(rhlcr.

Probal)ly raic as I have but one specimen, which was taken at the t iiiibei -]iiu> of Shasta.

Dendroica rijstiva (Giiu'l.). Yellow Warlihr. A bird api)arently as common as in the Eastern States. It arrived at 1> 111- 1 al) )ut May 1, where it was abundant uutil midsummer, when its numbers greatly diminished. Three nests were found in the bushes by the river, t-.vo o:i May 2-9, one on June 10.

Dendroica coronata (i^iuu.). Myrtle Warhlcr. A number of specimens from Ked Bluft", which I at first took to be

X>, (Nf'/.7 /^o??/.. prove to be of this species. They were plenti'nl in the timber belts about May 1 aiul at Humbohlt Bay in the fall.

Dendroica aiiduboiJ. ;Ti)\vus.). Andiihon''n Warhlcr.

Although 1 was in the foot-hills of Shasta County from April 1 to

July 1, ISS.J, I did not find this species itntil I ascended Mount Shasta in August. It was the commonest species of Warbler immediately below the timber-line, the bulk of these being young birds. On March 29 of the following year they arrived at Ked Bluff, where they were rather common during the spring.

Dendroica nigrescens (Towns.). Blaolc-ihroalcd Gran Jl'arbhr.

Quite common in the foot-hills along the Lower McCloud Biver. It was first seen at Baird May 10, and at Bed Bluti' the following spring on May G. At the latter place, however, it was \'ery rare, aud was totally wanting in the heavy pine regions al)0ut Mounts Shasta and Lassen. 224 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

or lour, Tills .si)C'cies, usually observed in pairs or iu <,n-oui>s of tluee seemed to fiecineut all parts of the foot-bill country, loitering,' iiiucli in i;enera11y, the jj;ulclies, the luanzanita brush, and the lower shrubbery but sonu'tiuies resorting- to the oak trees. A nest containing three fresh eggs was found at the United States of au Fishery on INIay 18, 1883. It was placed upon the horizontal limb "evergieen" oak, 10 feet from the ground. The sitting lemale retired to treasures with ab- ail upper branch and witnessed the abduction of her solute inditterence. This nest in its composition consists ahnost entirely of the bark or outer covering of dead weed-stalks of various kinds, bird with' a slight interweaving of ilaxy grass libers. The lining is of feathers, probably those of the quail, interspersed with the hair of cattle. The grouuil <;olor of the eggs is white. They are dotted with leddish- brown somewhat irregularly all over, but at the large end the dots are so are: of one, .

Dendroica occideutalis (Towus.). Jlermlt Warbler. A single si)ecimen of this warbler was obtained at the tiud)er line of Mount Shasta August 15, 188;i. It was iu a small spruce pine witb a. group of mountain chickadees.

Geothlypis macgillivrayi (And.). MuculUirniii's Warbhr. Found only at Mount Shasta. It was not uncommon from the base up to timber4ine in July and August, and seemed to frequent the scattered ti-acts of shrubbery rathin- than the dense pine woods. I saw no nests, but it is probable that it breeds there.

Geothlypis trichas occideiitalis (Browst.). iresteni YeUuw-throat. A single individual of this species was obtained at the base of Mount Shasta on August G, aud being a com[)aratively young bird was proba

l)ly reared there.

Icteiia virens longicauda (Lawr.)- LotKjUiilcd Chat. Common throughout the lower country generally, but not ranging as high as the pine belt. It was lirst seen at Baird May 10 and at Eed r.luff I\Iay 4.

Sylvauia pusilla pileolata (Pall.). J'ih'olaUd Warbhr, At lied Bluff the first migrant arrived on May 1, where, however, it was cot often seen, probably only occurring tUere while passing through 1887. J PliOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL iMUSEUM. 226 to liiglier country. It i.s ratlicr imiueioiis duiiiiy" tl](^ .suiiiiuer about Mouut Sbasta from the ba«e. up to tiuibcr-line.

l-aniily MOTACILLID.E. Wagtails.

Anthus pensilvauicus (Cicm.)- American Pipil.

Plentiful iu tbo Sacrameuto Valley. It had a habit of \va(lin,i; in shallow water like a sandpiper, and 1 have secured several at once by taking a " line shot" along the river's edge. It was occasionally noted along the ocean beaches of Humboldt County.

Family CINCLID^E. Dipi-ehs.

Ciiiclus niexicauus >S\vaiiis. American Dipper.

One of the characteristic birds of the country, especially numerous iu the foot-hills and mountains.

Water Ouzels were common all along the McUloud Itiver in the fall and winter, but from April 1 to July 1 it was only seen twice. This can probably be accounted for by the birds having gone further into the mountains to breed, for they were found in abundance on the rapid streams about Mount Shasta in Julj-, August, and September. I found one individual at the snowline on Shasta in midsummer, on an icy rivulet llowing from beneath the perpetual snow. It was a surprise to find this bird in such a desolate i)lace ; there seemed to be nothing for an ouzel or any other bird to eat along that cold stream, full of ashy sediment and flowing a couple of hundred yards only to disappear in the loose pumice and other volcanic rocks of which the mountain is composed. -Why should the bird leave its native streams iu the valleys for the desolate limit of perpetual snow? The Ouzel certainly wanders into very inhospitable places, for I have seen it on the snow- fed rivulets of the Aleutian Islands. It is a most persistent diver; I remember of watching one for nearly two hours once, diving for some kind of tiny shell-lish. It plunged from the upstream end of a low rock, about 4 feet loug, and was evidently swept well down by the current, for it always rcai>i)eared sonui distance below the rock, to which it would return. After a shake of its plumage it would walk to the up[)er end to re[)eat the maneuver.

Family TROGLODYTID.E. Wreus, Tlirasher.s, &c;.

Harporhynchus redivivus (Gamb.). Californian Thraslier.

The only specimen obtained was found dead on the stage road neai-

Baird, on January 3, 1884. Judging from its wasted form it niiglit have died from starvation. There was a little snow in some of the gulches near by, and the bird had probably been overtaken by severe weather. This is the only instance oi its occurrence in Northern Cali fornia so far as I am aware. Proc. N. M. 87 15 226 NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Salpiuctes obsoletus (Say), lioclc li'roi. A very conimou suiumcr habitant of rocky ledjjes everywhere, lleie is a bird well named. Yea, though its systematic synonymy multiply ibrever, yet will not the observant naturalist be teM)i)ted to call its I'^nglish name other than " Rock Wren." It is tlioronj;lily chara(;teristic of the bird's habits. I found it in ]\[ay abundant in the rugged limestone rocks that top nearly all the high hills along the Lower McCloud Uiver, where its animated song was suri)assed only by the sweeter music of the White- throated Wren with which it sometimes associated.' In midsummer when high up above the timber line of Shasta t!ie songs of the liock Wrens came to me constantly from among the surrounding lava boul- ders. Later in the season when at Sheep Eock lintte, I'O miles northeast of Mount Shasta, the bleak forbidding rock bluffs were eniixencd chiefly by the presence and the songs of these birds.

Catherpes mexicanus conspersus Eidgw. Canon U'rcn. Neither as abundant nor as well distributed as the preceding species, but like it a frequenter of the most desolate rocks, it was oiten seen in the linu' rocks at liaird, where its young were also observed late in June, but only one was found on the lava rocks above the tiinbe" line of Shasta, although sometimes Ibund in suit-able pla(;es at rhe noi-ilieast base of the mountain. At the first-mentioned locality 1 observed them creeping ovvv the vertical, and sometimes overhanging, rock surfaces after the maniuM- of the Creeper {Cerfhiu). But the retnarkable song of this Wren is the principal fact with le- gard to it, and here I heard it at its best. I accompaniexl a party of young men on a cave exploring trip once, and after a hard clin)b under a blazing sun, over limestone rocks weathered out into points and edges so sharp that our shoes were cut to pieces by them, we came in sight of the cave. Here, while holding on to the sloping lock wall across the face of which the trail led, we heard a bird song that caused each man to look up. Clinging to the opposite wall o! the (iafion was a W^hite-throated Caijon Wren pouring out bewitching n)elo(ly. '-Listei. !" said some one. The song was quickly over, but tlu; bird flew nearer the mouth of the cave and began again. It was about noon, w.th nor a breath stirring and the sun's rays [)oiuing dou n. The cle;ir ringing notes in the still air re echoed from the bare walls of rock all aionial. A companion who bore a heavy coil of rope on his shoulders, turned to me, the sweat dropping from his face: " Did you ever hear the like beibref 1 certainly never had, and felt already repaid for my laborious climb, ibr I had never known a feathered songster to utter notes so enchanting. AVhen. a monjent later as we rested in the shelter of the cavern's mouth, the wild, sweet song broke forth again, the singer this time 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 227 overhead and out of «i<;lit, even the stoHd Judiaii who carried one ot our packs ghiuced at iiie and uttered some word of a])proval. The soug is indescribable, so I have tokl this long- story to show how even an nnappreciative audience at an unfavorable time couhl be (;aptivated by a remarkable bird song. Mr. Eidgway, who has heard the song of this species in many places among the western mountains, suggests to me that the echoing walls of rock which usually inclose the retreat of the bird serve to enhance the beauty of the notes, and 1 myself do not doubt that they are ren- dered more striking by the very desolateuess of the surroundings.

Thryothorus bewicki spilurus (Vig). Vigor''s Wren. This Wren was observed in moderate members at IJaird and at the base of Shasta in summer. A few probably winter iu the hills about the former place as I saw occasional ones there in February. Full- grown young birds were discovered about June 1.

Troglodytes cedon parkmanii(Au(l.)- Parkman's Tfren. Found breeding in considerable numbers about one of the cultivated gardens of the United States fishery reservation. In midsummer they were abundant among the piled-up logs of a certain clearing in the forest at the base of Mount Shasta. Also seen at Eed Bluff in the spring.

Anorthura hiemalis pacificus Bainl. IVt-steni IVinkr JVren.

I did not meet with more than half a dozen individuals of this species HI the interior, and these only in the rocky and mossy canons about the Lower McCloud liiver in the fall and winter, but it was found everywhere about the redwood logging districts of Humboldt County.

Cistothorus palustris Wils. Loiuj-biUed Mar.sh Wren.

The conspicuous globular nests of this Wren were found clinging to the stems of the tules wdierever our boat penetrated at Eagle Lake, but no eggs were discovered. The bird is less numerous iu the marshes of llumboklt County.

Family CEirrHIlD.E. Ciieepeks.

Certhia familiaris ameiicaua (Bonap.). Broun Creeper.

Noticed only occasionally in the pine forests inland. It ])robably winters lower down, for stragglers were seen at JJaird in January and numerous pairs in the Humboldt redwoods in December.

P\'iiuily TARID^E. NuxnATCiiES and Tits.

Sitta caroliuensis aculeata (Cass.). Slender-billed Nuthatch. Decidedly not common, having been found only at rare intervals in the McCloud Eiver hills and very seldom at Eed Bluflf. When seen they appeared rather silent, seldom giving vent to the querulous notes so characteristic of Nuthatches, and which the eastern species utters so constantly. A solitary individu:d was secured at Huia- l)oldt Bay. 2"J.S KOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Sitta canadensis Linn. JUd-brcu^lvil ytithaldi. A intlu'i' aluiiidaiit losideiit of tlie vast pineries around Mount Las- sen, but apparently nt>t so coiniiion in similar country about Mount- Shasta. A few were obtained on the Shasta timber-line. On June 1, 1884, a nest was found in a dead pine in western Lassen County. A hole had been drilled in the trunk about ten feet from the .ground, but the wood was so hard that it effectually resisted my huntinj>- knife. The cavity, which had a depth of 8 inches, had evidently cost the exca- vator consi

Sitta pygmaea N'i;;. I'ligimj Xuthahh.

Although I was constantly on the alert for this bird I did not meet with it, which was contrary to my expectations, as it was found by Dr. Newberry, Captain Feiluer, Lieutenant Tarkinson, and Mr. Heushaw in the respective locabties of Northern California explored by them,*

Parus inoniatus Giunb. I'lain Titmouse. Though not observed in the high mountains, it was not uncommon in the foothills and valleys. A nest containing seven eggs was found

April 4, 1884, in a poultry-house at Ked Bluff, It was composed of the stalks of weeds and grasses, and a considerable amount of tow or oakum, with a lining of wool and Huffy bird feathers, and occupied a cavity between the Joists,

It is not mentioned by other observers in Nothern California.

Parus atricapillus cccidentalis (liaiid). Om/ow Cliichadre. A common winter visitant from the north, a(;cor(ling to the accounts of Newberry and Cooper. I did not meet with it myself. ,

Parus gambeli Ridgw. Moutiiuin Chickadee. An abundant resident of the mountains, out of which I have not seen it; breeding everywhere on the slopes of IMouiits Shasta and Lassen, even uj) to the highest timber line. Late in June, 1881, a nest was discovered in the pine forest at the western base of Mount Lassen. It occupied a crack in the end of a i^rostrate ])ine log by the loadside, and contained young birds nearly^rown.

* Mr. Townseml apparently overlooked two specimens of this species which he collected on Mount Lassen July 4, lr<84, one of them bcinj? an adult, the other a youn.u; hird. His remarks under the head of S. canadensis would therefore appear to apply

111 part to .S. i))i(im(va, if not entirely so far as Mount Lassen is concerned, the three examples of iS. canadensis collected by him bein<» all from Mount Shasta, from which locality his collection contains no example of .S' p>if/ni(ea — R. RiD(JWav. lA-!7. J PROC'EkDINGS of UNITED SIATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 220

Parus rufesceiis Towns. Cientitnt-huclud ChicLddcc. Abuudaut iu the iall on the coast, where i shot many, oeeu but once elsewhere. 1 obtainetl a single indiNid'ial at the western base of Mount Shasta on -hily IT, 188^5. It was found near a wayside watering-trougli, where the stage road i)assed through the densest part of the forest.

Clianiaga fasciata G;iuil>. tfren-TH.

Found constantly among the briars and brushwood in JIumboldt County iu the fall. ]Sothing like the sweet song of the lollosving variety WciS cv'or heard in this region, but this may have beeu due to the late season of the year.

Chaniaea fasciata henshawi Ridgw. PaUid Wren-Tit.

This variety of the Wren-Tit is a rather rare summer visitor to the Lower McCloud. In July it was observed in the bushes that filled some of the canons leading into the rugged mountain opjjosite the United States fishery at liaird, where its singidar and ])leasing song, not much inferior to that of the Canon Wren, was often heard. In November it was occasionally seen in the shiubbery along thi' riv(U'.

Psaitriparus minimus (Tdwns.). Leaal Til. A rather common resident of the valleys and ib A-hills; ranging higher up iu summer.

The Least Titmice go about in Hocks of a dozen or two, the different members of the bands keeping w^ell together in their foraging. They usually all settle in the same bush, scattering through it and inspecting it thoroughly, and when two or three begin to move off the rest soon follow. In the foot hills they were apparently as plentiful in winter as in summer. The timber belts about Ked Lluif, in the U[tper Sacramento Val- ley, were favorite breeding resorts wMth them, as I found a dozen or more nests, old and new, within a week's time. A nest found Ajuil 28 in some dead willow^s near the river contained three eggSj but all tliose lound after May 1 were emi)ty or contained young birds. Theii-

Family SYLVIID.K. Waiuslkus, Kinglets, Gxatcatciiers.

Regulus satrapa olivaceus Baird. Westtrn Golden-crowned Kinglet.

This bird, wliicli is inoderatelj' coininoii on the coast, is rare lartlier inlaiKl, where two specimens, collected at the timber-line of Mount Shasta in July, were the only ones met with. The fact of these latter being younj;' birds wouhl seem to indicate the breedinj;' of the species there.

Regulus calendula (Liiiii.). Pi nhij- crowned Kinglet.

Two specimens only were seen at Mount Shasta, one on August 15,

1S83, at the timber-line, the other on September 2, at an elevation of about 0,000 feet; the latter, being* quite a young bird, was probably reared there. Several were seen auioug the shrubbery along tlie river at Baird in November, and a couple of stragglers were obscived there in January. More common along the coast.

Polioptila casrulea (Linu.). ]>luc-gray (Jnalcatcher.

Not common breeds. F collected a single specimen and found a newly-built nest at Baird on June 19, ISSl). A nest was found at lied Bluff, in the oak timber by the river, on May 12, 188-1. Another was found in a similar situation soon after. These nests were respectively about 10, 15, and 20 feet from the ground, in stunted scraggy oak trees.

One was placed in the forks, where it was admirably concealed ; the other two were saddled on top of the limbs that bore them, and all were lichen-coated on the outside. There were no eggs in any of them when first discovered, and as none were foun

Family TURDID-^. Turusiiks, 8oLn'AiRES, Stoneciiats, Bluebirds, &c.

Myadestes townsendii (And.)- ToH^usend'H SolHaire.

A rather conunon constant resident. The remarks on ^S^aIia arotica would apply pretty well to this species in so far as they relate to its breeding in the mountains and wintering in lower country. But Town- send's Solitaire does not appear to descend into the lowest valleys, for

I saw nothing of it during the winter at Bed Bluff. Jt was frequently seen in the rugged foot-hills of Shasta County in January, February, and March.

Dr. Newbury's remark that it does not inhabit dense forests does not accord with my experience. It frequented the most heavily-timbered sections of both the Shasta and Lassen regions. It is a true t1yeat(;her in its habits, returning to the same jxireh from ea<;h short llight after insects. ,

l.^.sr. STATES NA TIONAL MUSEUM, 231 J PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED

A nest coutuiuiug three eggs was found on July 12 in tlie dense pine forest surrounding Butte Lake, near Mount Lassen. It was built iu a cavity in the splintered end of a pine log, wliich, having fallen across A bowlder, was raised about 5 feet above the ground. I passed close by and would not have noticed the neat had not-the sitting bird taken flight. A projecting piece of bark sheltered it perfectly. This nest was composed almost entirely of pine needles, with a slight base of pine twigs. There was no perceptible lining, unless the decayed and broken needles upon which the eggs rested could be called such. The eggs measure .90 by .70, .90 by .72, and .92 by .70. They are uni- formly but rather faintly marked with reddish-brown upon a whitish ground color. This was probably rather late breeding for this species. Late iu July I found a specimen of this bird frozen in the snow and ice which filled the crater of the extinct volcano of Shasta. It is but rarely that a passerine bird ascends so high. The finding of its frozen form recalled the passage relating to the bird that " wandereth from its iiest."

Turdus aonalaschkae Gmel. Dwarf Hermit Thrush. First seen on the southern slope of Mount Shasta on July 25, 1883. My catalogue of specimens shows but four of this species from the interior region, specimens having been taken on the Lower jMcCloud early in October, and at Eed Bluft" on May 12 and December 24. On the coast of Humboldt County it^was rather numerous in the fall. The Dwarf Thrush usually frequents the dense pine woods or the shady gulches, and is always near the ground.

Turdus aonalaschkae auduboni (Baird). Juduhon's Hermit Thrush. Found only in the northeastern part of the State. The important fact of this Eocky Mountain species breeding on the eastern slope of the Sierras was ascertained by Mr. Henshaw, who found it very abundant iu the mountains near Fort Bidwell iu July.

Merula migratoria propinqua Kidgw. Western Eohin. More common in the cultivated valleys than elsewhere, but never abundant asEobins are in the long-settled sections of the Eastern States. Stragglers were met with iu the foot-hills of Shasta County at all seasons of the year. The first nest was found at the United States fishery May 21. It was high up on the horizontal limb of a " live oak" by the river and contained four eggs. Specimens were obtained in the mountains along McCloud Eiver iu January, and on the timber line of Mount Shasta in August. During the summer of 1885 I found the eastern form of thcEobin and the Varied Thrush associating among the dwarf pines of the JCowak Eiver region iu Northern Alaska.

Hesperociclila iicEvia (GnieL). Varied Thrush. " I first s;iw the Varied Thrush while " a hunting of the deer along the Lower McClou«l Eiver early in November, 188;), often finding it loitering •2:\'2 N()Tr..S IN C'ArJFORNIA ANIMALS.

umlcr the low shrublxMy and aiiioiigMlio falhMi tice tniiilcs in the dcciK'sl, and wildest canons where the snidij^lit conld not penetrate. In such

(|niet i)laces I used to rest sometimes when making- a long round, aud the stillness would often be broken by a note of alarm from this bird

when it had discovered so unusual an apparition as a human being' iti its secluded retreats. He would lly into some pine near by and earnestly reganl the motionless forms of the hunter and h)s dog, and if given no further cause for alarm would remain in the vicinity quietly continuing the ins])ection from various ])oints of view. Jn January and February, wheu the leaves had fallen and there was snow in the gulches, it was often found among the oaks on the hi«»h ridges, but nothing striking w^as observed in its habits, as it was rather silent and solitary. In autumn I thiidc it fed on the berries of the juni- pers that grew in the canons. It was not met with in the valleys or the higher mountains, but was found in abundance in the redwood forests of Humboldt ('oniity in ISTovember and December, 1885.

Sialia mexicana Swjiiiis. Ji'csUni Illnchird.

The Western liluebird is prob ibly entitled to be called constant resident, as I noted its presence at Baird in January, March, June, July, August, iind Deciember. It was found breeding at the western base of IMouiit Shasta late in July, where the only nest discov^ered was placed in an old post hole in the ground. The post had been moved only a few inches and the nest was under its shelter in its new position. Grasses overhung ihe hole and the young birds, then nearly grown, were well concealed. No other nests were seen, but from the constant presence of bluebirds 1 have no doubt but a limited luimber of them were breeding in the vicinity of Mount Shasta. They were common in the region around Mount Lassen ui June ami July, 1881, where they were constantly associated with the Mountain liluebii'ds {Sialia arcfica), which were much more numerous.

Sialia arctica (Swjiins.). Mouniaiu Blnehird.

This bird is a constant resident, migrating not northward and southward, but up and down betv-zeen the valleys arul the high mountains.

I did not meet with it until I ascended Alonnt Shasta, in July, where along the timber-line parent birds accomi)anied by full lledge

In western Lassen County, where tiie land has an elevation of r),0()() or (5,000 feet, Mountain JJluebirds were very conunou in ,lune and July. There they were usually ac(jompanied by such of the Western Bluebirds as had straggled up that far. The presence of young birds indicated that they were breeding in that region. Late in December small bands of them were found Hying about the stubble-fields at litu 0'>'> 1S87. ] PnOCEKDiNGr-i OF UNITED STATES NATIOXAL AIUSETTM.

liluff, tlicir inteiisoly blue colors at that time eoutrastiiii;' stroni^ly with their faded condition in the breeding season. Their habit of perching" on weeds and bushes about the plains, and of hovering in the air like sparrow-hawks, as recorded by other observers, wfis a striking feature of their conduct as observed at Red Bluff. They did not frequent the timber belts when wintering in the valleys, but were generally to be found in the open country or along the brink of the river, perching upon scattered driftwood, often in conii)any with the other species. Here we have an exchange of courtesies, Sialiaarctica being graciously received at his cousin's headquarters in the valley in return for hospi- tality extended to Sialia mexicana in tlie. mountains during the past summer. ,

VERTICAL RANGE OF BIRDS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

The following table illustrating the vertical range of birds in Northern California is modeled somewhat after a similar one on the birds of Colo- rado, by Mr. F. M. Drew {The Auk, January, 1885, p. 11), and is interesting chiefly as showing a much lower average range than in the latter State, which has a vastly greater average elevation. While there are mountain peaks in California as high as any in Colorado, the upward range of birds in the former State begins at sea level instead of at an altitude of 3,500 feet, which is already attained upon passing within the borders of the latter State. In Northern California the two great ranges of mountains—the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range, from which rise peaks crowned with per[)etual snow—are sei)arated by the valley of the Sacramento, a broad plain, which at its upper end, about 300 miles from the sea, has an altitude of but 500 feet. From there it is but 40 or 50 miles through the chaparal belt or "foot-hills" to the border of the coniferous forests, at an altitude of 2,500 or 3,000 feet, represent- ing an elevation less than the lowest laud in Colorado. From this it will be seen that birds are not forced into the mountains as they are in Colorado, since they can i)ass between the two ranges almost the entire length of the State. The present table of upward ranges of birds cannot claim the same degree of completeness as the one with w^hich it is compared, being limited, as a rule, to the observations pf one person, made at lower altitudes. The timber-line on Mount Shasta, with an elevation of 9,000 feet (more than 1,000 lower than on the Rocky Mountains), being the highest field of observation and the Sacramento Valley at Red Bluff the lowest except at the coast, it is evident that the birds will not be found to range as higii as in Colorado. If, in any case, species have been found at greater elevations in the region in question than those indicated by my own observations, the former altitudes are substituted. This is, however, the exception. 234 NOTKS OX CALIFOltNIA AM.M.VLS.

The table is reliable as far as it goes, and it goes ouly as far as the comparatively limited observations of one person, with occasional notes from other sources, will admit. When collections shall have been made at higher stations, and all the species known to the region similarly reported npon, the vertical range of birds becomes a very interesting study, where the extremes of elevation are so great.

No. 9'ir; ISS7. ] PROCEEDINGS OP UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. . —

23G NOTES ON CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

Higbest range iu No. Name. Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter

1-18 S.iyoniis sayi • 3,900 300 iSayoniis iii;L;iiciiiis 1,000 1,000 1,000 H!) I l-)0 Coutopus boii-alis 8,000 7,000 ir.i Coiitopus liilianlsoiii 1, 000 8,000 1,000 I'lj Eiiipidonax piisilliis 4, 600 153 EmpUlouax oltsciirii.s 4, 600 ir>4 Otocoris "ral)(^a" 5, 300 li5 Otocoris "stri^ata" 150 Pica "liudsonica" 3,900 157 Pica nuttalii 1,000 1,000 1,000 l.JS strlleii 3, 900 8, ."iOO 3, 900 1,000 1,000 7,000 Cyanocitfa I

159 Cyauocitta " frontalis " , '2, I GO ApLcloccima caliloruica . 1, 000 5,900 600 1,000 101 Puiisorcus ob.scuiiia 3, 900 7,000 Coast. 16li (^orviis 'siuiiatus" 1,000 3,900 Coast. 103 Corviis anioricamis 3, 900 3, 900 300 104 Picicorvus coluruliianiis 3,900 9,000 3,000 105 Cyanocoiihaliis cyanocepbalus. .. 3,900 '300' '300 100 Xautli()

222 Helm ill I liojibila "lutoscons" 8, 500 223 Dcndroica astiva 2, 6110 2, 600 1,000 224 Dondroica coronata 300 225 Uondroica auduboui 3, 900 8, 500 5,900 220 Dcndroica nigrescens 1, 000 1,000 i, 600 Deudroicii occiduntalis 8,000 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 237

No. 238 NOTES UiN CALIFORNIA ANIMALS.

LACEKTILIA. Lizakds, Ac.

Eumeces skiltoiiiauus B. & G. SMUon's SJcinlc. Obtained by Fiof. E. 1). Cope near the United States lisli-iiatchiiig establislinient on MeCloud Iliver diirinj;- his trip throiii;h Northern California in 1882, and by Dr. J. S. dewberry, on Pitt Kiver, during the Paeific llailroad expeditions in 1855.

Gerrhonotus multicarinatus B. «& G. Manij-lceelcd Lizard. Conunoii in dry situations along the Lower MeCloud River, where numerous speciineus were obtained. This elegant Lizard, the largest in the region, was particularly numerous among the limestone rocks on the hilis. Its presence is usually made known by the sudden rustling of the dry leaves as it makes a rush for cover. It has much cariosity, however, and is easily secured when it pauses to watch one with its bright eyes. The Indians suppose it poisonous, but, like all other Lizards of the United States, except, perhaps, the Gila Monster {Eclodcrina

}

Gerrhonotus scincicaudus Skiltou. SJcinlc-tailed Lizard. Not represented in my collection, but obtained at Fort Reading by Dr. Hammond.

Sceloporus undulatUs (Harlan). AU'ujator Lizard. Abundant everywhere among the foot-bills of Shasta County.

SceloporiLS undulatus thayeri (Ilarlau). Thayer's Alligalor Lizard. Obtained by Professor Cope on the Lower MeCloud.

Scelopurus consobrinus gratiosus (B. & G.). New Mexican Alligalor Lizard. Taken on Upper Pitt River by Dr. Newberry.

Phryaosoma douglassi pygmeea (Boll) Yarrow.* rifjiny Horned Lizard. The only Horned Toads met with in Northern California were obtained at the western base of Mount Shasta in 18S3. With the exception of one specimen found by Prof. Gilbert Thompson (in charge of the topographical division U. S. Geological Survey), they were of most dimin- utive size. Species of the genus Fhrynosoma do not appear to occur west of the Sierras, in Northern California, the presence of pyfjnuva being simply due to its having ranged southward from Oregon as far as Mount Shasta until it reached the mountain barrier to its progress. r. conmatum, of Central and Southern California, is not found as far is probably north as the Upper Sacramento Valley ; therefore the genus not represented at all in this latitude between the Sierra Nevadas and the coast.

*/'. dowjluHfii piigmaa was described by Yarrow (I'roc. Nat. Mus. 1883, p. 443). Spi-ci- nicus obtained from Dcscbutes Kivcr, Orej^on, I'^ort WnHu Walla, Wash. Tor. 18S7.] PKOCEEDINGy OF UNITED STATES JNA'llONAL MUSEUM 239

OPHIDIA. Skrpkxts.

Crotalus Incifer B. & G. California Eattlcsnale. Pretty geuerally distributed, but more numerous iu the foot-bilLs ol' iSUasta Couuty tbau elsewhere. Yery few Snakes were met with in the elevated coniferous forests, and none high u]) on the mountains. Abun- dant as this Eattlesuake is in many parts of the foot-hills, it does not appear to be oflensive. I have almost trodden ou it a score of times. Allen writes as follows regarding Cmtdisona confluenta in tbe region " of the Upper Missouri : It was estimated that on the expedition of 1872 (North Pacific llailroad Expedition) not less than two thousand were killed and yet not a man nor an animal was bitten by them. This shows how little danger there really is from them, even when numerous. Man is a far more fatal enemy to the Snake than the Snake is to man."

Gontia mitis B. & G. Fnrple-taiUd Snake. One specimen only. Shasta County.

Opliibolus getiilus boyli (Linu.). California Kin

Diadophis punctatus amabilis (Linu.)- Biwj- necked Snake. Specimens of this small Snake were obtained on McCloud lliver by Mr. Livingston Stone and myself. It is not often seen.

Diadophis punctatus pulchellus (Liuu.), Yarrow. California Uimj-necked Snake. Pound on the McCloud by Professor Cope, who says it ditfers iVom amabilis in having the inferior two rows of scales unicolor with the abdomen, which in life is brilliant orange.

Pityophis catenifer * B. & G. Paeifie Fine Snake. A Pine Snake, 5 feet long, whi(;h I obtained near Mount Shasta, and kept as a pet for several weeks, became very tame. Other specimens were collected on the McCloud liiver.

Fityophis sayi bellona f Sclilcg.). Western Ball Snake. Pound at Honey Lake in 1877 by Mr. II. W. Ilenshaw, and at Port Crook by Capt. John Peilner. Not represented in my collection.

Bascanium constrictor Liim. Black Snake. Eecorded in Smithsonian catalogues as having been collected at Honey Lake by Mr. Henshaw, and at Pitt River by Lieutenant William- son.

* /•". catenifer is a uaiiic applied to a colored variety of /'. saji hoUona; it is not u distinct species, 240 NOTES ON CAl.IFOKMA ANIMALS

Bascaiiiuui constrictor vetustiiiu ' vLiini.). YvUowl'ilUvd J:Utrl, Snahc.

Not uiicoiiiiiion oil (Ik- INIcC'IoikI.

Bascauium taeuiatuni laterale (llullowell). IlaUtmiU't Coatli-nhip Snahc. One spcciiiu'ii. Not coininon.

Eutseuia hammoudi Kcnuicott. llammoud'n (imhr Snake.

From Ea^le Lake. Collected by "Sir. lleihshaw.

Eutaeiiia vagrans (B. &, G.)- 11 anderiiKj Garlcr SiuiLc. Collected on Pitt liiver by Lieutenant ^Villianlsoll, and al Ilninboldt Uay by Lieutenant Tiowbiidi;e.

Eutaeiiia elegaiis 15. & G. Boi/d's Curler Snake. Obtained at Fort Bidwell in 'Inly, 1878, by Mr. llenslunv.

Eutseuia sirtalis (Liiin.)- Striped Snake. Numerous s[)eciinens were collected on the JNIcClond and elsewhere.

Eutaenia sirtalis parietalis (Linn.), Cope. Eockij Uonntaia (lartcr Snake. Fort Lidwell. H. W. Heushavv.

Eutaenia sirtalis obscura (Linn.), Cope. Dusky Garlcr Snake. Fort Crook. Capt. John Feilner.

Entcenia sirtalis pickeringi {15. &, G.), Cope. Plckcrhufs Garter Snake. Fort Eeadiug. Dr. Hammond.

Eutasnia sirtalis tetrataenia (Linn.), Cope. California Garter Snake. Fill Kiver. Lieutenant Williamson.

Eutceuia atrata Kenuicott. Black Garter Snake. Obtained at Crescent City by Mr. Paul Schumacker.

Charina plumbea B. & G. Lead-culored Worm Snake. NVhile at Berry vale, near the western base of Mount Shasta, a boy killed a Snake which he thought had " a head at each cud," a notion not unlikely to be sujigested by the ai)pearauce of this short-tailed Snake. The species is not uncommon about Mr. J. H. Sissou's meadows at that place. Mr. Henshaw met with it at Eagle Lake, on the eastern slope of the Sierras, in LS77.

URODELA. Sala.mandeks.

Amblystoma tenebrosimi 13. & G. Oregon Salamander.

1 found this Salanuinder rather numerous in the small Iributaries of the Lower McCloud late in the autumn, and secured many si)ecimens, the largest of which was probably not more than 7 inches in length.

Plethodon iecanus Copo. Mount SItaiita Salamander.

Described by Professor Cope from a specimen which lie found near the mouth of the McCloud. (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., 1SS3, p. 24.)

* 77. constviclor ret ii'itnm shonUl he H. ronstrictor JIarirentria (Lhm.),Yiirte,v>- and 1887.] PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 241

My owD specimen is from the same place. Professor Cope named this species " from the aboriginal name, jTt'Aa, of the grand peak of Northern California, Mount Shasta. From the same name the town of Yreka derives its name." I can think of no better English name than Mount Shasta Salamander.

Diemyctylus torosus Esch. Pacific Water Lizard. Found throughout the region. Very abundant in small streams in Shasta and Humboldt Counties. The orange color of the under parts appears to vary considerably with the season from yellowish to reddish tints. The animals congregate in shallow water in the fall, a dozen or more often being visible at once. They are hardy, and may be kept alive without water for a long time. Professor Cope (Proc. Phila. Acad., 1883, p. 28) says the species is entirely aquatic, but I have certainly found it among damp logs away from water.

ANUEA. Frogs and Toads.

Bufo halophilus Baird. BairWs Toad. Obtained by Professor Cope at United States fishery establishment on McCloud River.

Hyla regilla Baird. Pacific Hyla. MeCloLid River; not uucommou; also Fort Crook, Captain Feilner.

Rana pachyderma Cope. Thick-skinned Frog. Described by Professor Cope from specimens from McCloud River, where it is rather common.

LIST OK WOKKS AXD WiaTTEX KECOKDS REFERRED TO IN THE PRESENT PAPER.

1857. —J. S.Nttwberry, M. D. Pac. R. R. Surv., vol. vi. Pt. iv, Zool.,chap. i, Mammals; cbai^. ii, Birds. 1857.— S. F. Baird. Pac. R. R. Surv.,vol. x. Pt. iv, Zool., No. 4, Reptiles. 1859-1861. —Capt. Joliu Feilner and Lieut. D. F. Parkinson, Smithsonian Mus. Cata logna, vols, iv and v. Entries of numerous specimens of birds collected at Fort Crook, N. Cal. 181)5. —Capt. John Feilner. Smithsonian Report, 1865. Explorations in N. Cal. in 1860, under auspices of Smithsonian Institution. 1866. —Wm. Vuille. Smithsonian Mus. Catalogue, vol. viii. Entries of specimens of birds collected at Yreka, N. Cal. 1879. —H. W. Heushaw, U. S. Geographical Surv. Rept. ou ornithological collections made iu portions of California, Nevada, and Oregon in 1877-'78. 1883.—E. D. Cope. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., 1883, p. 23. Notes on reptiles from McCloud R., N. Cal. 1883.—H. C. Yarrow. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24. Check-list of N. A. Reptilia and Batrachia, with catalogue of specimens in U. S. National Museum. 1883, '84, and '85. —C. H. Townsend. Smithsonian Museum Catalogues. Current vols. Entries of more th^n one thousand birds, together with several hundred mammals ind reptiles collected in Northern California. Proc. y. M. 87 IG Proceedinss U. S. 'National Muscun). Vol. X. 1887.—Towuseiul. PLATE V.